San Diego State University guard Elzie Harrington (3) guards SJSU Spartans guard Colby Garland (0) at Provident Credit Union Arena in San Jose Tue Dec 30, 2025 (SJSU Spartans photo)

By Ryan Hannagan

San Jose, Calif–The Spartans (5-7) entered the contest looking to snap a two game losing streak after falling at New Mexico, 88-65, and at home against Stanford, 86-82. San Jose State came in 4-2 on its home floor but winless against teams at .500 or better this season. The Aztecs, now 7-4, were playing their second conference game after opening Mountain West play with a loss to New Mexico.

San Jose State now 5-8 was without Javaughn Hannah, Ben Roseborough and Sadraque Nganga, further testing the Spartans’ depth against a physical Aztecs squad now 8-4 after defeating the Spartans 81-68 at Provident Credit Union on Tuesday night.

Turnovers plagued the Spartans early, allowing San Diego State to capitalize in transition. The Aztecs’ fastbreak offense helped build a double digit lead less than 10 minutes into the game.

San Jose State responded with a strong run midway through the first half, cutting what had been a sizable deficit down to a one possession game in a five minute span. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, though foul trouble emerged as a new concern for the Spartans. San Diego State went 9 of 14 from the free throw line in the opening half.

San Jose State forward Yaphet Moundhi left the game with just under three minutes remaining in the first half and did not return before the break. The Aztecs took a 42-38 lead into halftime.

Moundhi returned to the bench to start the second half but did not re-enter the game. Jermaine Washington opened the half with a 3 pointer to trim the Aztecs’ lead to one, setting the tone for a competitive second period.

Behind a scoring surge from Colby Garland, the Spartans tied the game at 49 with 14:30 remaining and briefly took a 53-51 lead shortly after. The game remained tight for more than 10 minutes, with neither team able to create separation.

That changed when San Diego State went on a key late run, pushing its lead to eight and halting San Jose State’s comeback momentum. The Aztecs maintained control from there, closing out the win.

Garland led a strong second half effort for the Spartans after a quiet opening half. San Jose State also excelled at the free throw line, shooting 94 percent as a team.

Despite the loss, the Spartans showed resilience, limiting turnovers and fouls while executing within their system. The effort, however, was not enough to overcome San Diego State’s late surge.