Category: San Jose State Spartans

Walker Eget, New Running Back Room Shine as Spartans Halt Late Comeback Attempt defeat New Mexico 35-28

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San Jose State University Spartans quarterback Walker Eget (5) gets a pass off against the visiting New Mexico Lobos at Spartan Stadium in San Jose on Sat Oct 3, 2025 (photo from Winners and Whiners)

by Austin Ota

SAN JOSE — Following a heartbreaking loss on the road in the Bill Walsh Legacy Game, San Jose State returned home and put on an offensive show for its home crowd, taking down Mountain West-foe New Mexico, 35-28.

With 2024 receiving triple crown winner Nick Nash watching his alma mater on the sidelines, the Spartans (2-3, 1-0 Mountain West) gashed a surging New Mexico Lobos (3-2, 0-1 Mountain West) defense.

“That’s a really good football team,” said head coach Ken Niumatalolo. “Coach Eck — what he’s done — they had to start from ground zero. Their team was 3-1, with some big wins. They’re well coached. That was a hard-fought win.”

After redshirt-senior quarterback Walker Eget fired a career-high 58 past attempts against the Cardinal, the Spartans opened the Friday night bout against the Lobos with a curveball: establishing the run. Five of the first ten plays from scrimmage were rushes, including a third down run from Steve Chavez-Soto to put the Spartans up early. At the end of their first drive, the Spartans ran three straight times, marking just the second time since opening night against Central Michigan they’ve done so.

San Jose State followed with its best defensive possession of the first half. Lobo quarterback Jack Layne, who followed head coach Jason Eck from FBS Idaho, showed his game-management tendencies early on as he weaved through the Spartan defense. But as New Mexico’s run-first offense churned through three- and four-year gains, they had turned field position after converting on a fourth-and-one try.

It was a continued theme for the Spartans, who entered the game having allowed 10 conversions on 12 fourth down tries.

But a pass defense that has also struggled turned the tide on the next play. Larry Turner-Gooden had originally lined up as the man-defender marking the Lobo running back, but as he recognized the flea-flicker try from the opposition, Turner-Gooden floated back into coverage and made an acrobatic play on the football along the boundary for the Spartans’ second interception of the season and more importantly, the first of the safeties’ career.

Eget continued to slice apart New Mexico’s defense, connecting with Matthew Coleman early in the second quarter to put the Spartans up by a pair of touchdowns. Eget was terrific through an early three-safety shell, surely placed by the Lobos following the Spartan air-raid against the Cardinal.

“The biggest thing is go by your rules, go by your keys,” said Eget. “Not overthinking it, take what they give to you. You can’t be getting bored of taking the easy throws or the easy completions.”

The two teams traded scores with a New Mexico rush touchdown and a 70-yard dime from Eget to leading receiver Danny Scudero. The Lobos scored quickly after, canvasing 78 yards when Layne took the top of San Jose State’s defense for a 42-yard gain and Scottre Humphrey pushed the pile for a 1-yard touchdown. Friday night’s first punt came at the end of the first half, and Lobo kicker Luke Drzewiecki drilled a 25-yarder to keep the Lobos in it at the half, 21-17.

Chavez-Soto capped a four-and-a-half-minute drive with his second touchdown of the game. With Jabari Bates sidelined for the rest of the year after sustaining a late injury against the Cardinal and Floyd Chalk IV’s status up in the air as the deadline to redshirt looms, players like Chavez-Soto and sophomore Lamar Radcliffe could be huge pieces for the Spartans going forward.

“Coach Smith always just says, ‘stay ready’,” said the freshman. “So that’s what I did, stay ready, and waited for my opportunity.”
 

New Mexico entered Friday with a top-35 rush defense which allowed just 111 rushing yards per game. Ratcliffe entered the night averaging just 2.6 yards per carry, and Chavez-Soto hadn’t had a single collegiate touch. On paper, it was the unstoppable force of New Mexico’s rush defense against the very movable force of an unproven San Jose State rush attack that had lost its top two rushers.

Instead, the Spartans ran the ball a season-high 36 times for 153 yards. Radcliffe himself had 15 for 64, while Chavez-Soto turned in two touchdowns and put up 71 yards.

And of course, as all good quarterbacks do, Eget shouted his offensive line out for how tremendous they were guiding the run.

“They could be a room that is so freakin’ good,” said Eget. “Once they really knew it, it’s going to keep going with a head of steam. We knew that they had the potential to be one of the best o-lines, not in the Mountain West, but really in college football.”

Minutes later, Layne was intercepted a second time after he was pressured by Noah McNeal-Franklin. Jalen Bainer finished the play, picking up his first interception of the year as well.

When Eget found Leland Smith with 2:42 to play in the third to put the Spartans up by 18, it felt like the game was on ice. Bainer picking off Layne again to start the fourth pushed the metaphorical dagger in even more.

“To be able to close it out,” said Niumatalolo, “those are the type of things that you have to do to win championships. You have to be able to close games out. You have to be able to convert third-and-shorts. And we did so many things offensively, I feel like it’s going to bode well for us as we make a push to the next game.”

But San Jose State punted a second time after a three-and-out. New Mexico State scored on a QB keeper just three minutes later, and converted the two-point conversion. Spartan punter Trent Carrizosa had to double-down and punt again with 6:48 to play.

Layne hit Keagan Johnson in stride twice in a three-minute span for a combined 45 yards to bring New Mexico in field goal range, but after Spartan corner Runye Norton broke up a third down pass, the Lobos drilled a 31-yard field goal to make it a one-score game.

Chavez-Soto converted on a second-and-long to put the game on ice.

The overall hero was Eget. After a strong showing against the Cardinal, he finished 26-of-30 passing with 327 yards, finishing three touchdowns to three different receivers. Even though sophomore Danny Scudero has been the focal point thus far for the Spartans, Eget showed the ability to spray the ball to any open receiver against New Mexico.

Niumatalolo sung his praises.

“To me, everything started with our quarterback,” said Niumatalolo. “He played like I knew he could play. I’ve been saying this, the Walker I saw in camp, the Walker I saw in spring ball. The offense I saw was that offense right there. But we’ve been rolling, and if Walker plays like that… he’s just opened up so many things. He’s going with the ball to the right spots. Throwing it to the right people. As well as I thought the offense played last week, I thought the offense did a better job of finishing their catches.”

Now up over 1,500 yards and nearing ten touchdowns on the year, Eget’s stellar play becomes an easy target for the Spartan offense to try and take aim for as they ride on the shoulders of their quarterback.

With eyes on continuing 1-0 in conference play every single week, the message is straightforward, and it seems that the Spartans have the pieces in place to play the message through. They’ll head to Wyoming next to take on the Cowboys, with kickoff set for 4 P.M.

Spartans smash Fresno Bulldogs 92-68 on Senior Day

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San Jose State Spartans vs Fresno Bulldogs at Provident Credit Union Event Center on Saturday March 8th (via sanjosestatembb/instagram)

By Madison Montez

In Uduje, Hall, Yap. Jr, and Marial’s last game at Provident Credit Union Event Center, the San Jose State Spartans claimed victory against the Fresno State Bulldogs.

Going into the locker room with their biggest lead of the game so far, Donovan Yap.Jr led the way. After missing one game due to a toe injury, Yap.Jr registered 16 points, a 6-8 FG, 3-6 3FG, 3 rebounds, and two assists. Vaihola in his first game back, registered seven rebounds in just the first half.

Each team had three turnovers but San Jose took advantage scoring five points in comparison to Fresno’s three. The three’s were dumping for the Spartans having a 40% in comparison to Fresno’s 17%.

Making sure that the seniors went out with a bang, the Spartans won 92-68. Yap.Jr led the way once again with 14 points. 5-5 FG, 2-2 3FG, one rebound, and one assist. With 23 points registered throughout the whole game, he now holds a career-high against his former team.

Robert Vaihola now holds a career-high in rebounds being 19.

The freshman Jermaine Washington had a breakout game, hitting his career-high in points being 19. Washington went 5-11 FG, 2-6 3FG, 7-7 FT. Also registering six rebounds and one assist.

And now, the seniors’s stats in their final home game:

Uduje: 16 pts, 6-11 FG, 1-3 3FG, 3-4 FT, three rebounds, two assists

Hall: four pts, 2-4 FG, 0-1 3FG, two rebounds, one assist

Marial: 3 rebounds

Yap Jr: 30 points, 11-14 FG, 5-7 3FG, 3-4 FT, four rebounds, three assists

The San Jose State Spartans will be back in action in the Mountain West Tournament on Wednesday March 12th. The Spartans will be taking on the ninth seed Wyoming. The last time these two teams faced off was on Saturday February 22nd when he Spartans traveled to Wyoming. In that game, San Jose State won 82-73.

Spartans fall to Rebels 77-71, Uduje 23 pts

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San Jose State Spartans vs UNLV Rebels on Tuesday February 25th at Provident Credit Union Event Center (via sanjosestatembb/instagram)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE–Coming into today’s game, the last time the Spartans faced the UNLV Rebels was in Nevada on January 4th where they fell 79 to 73. UNLV is riding a 3 game win streak while San Jose is riding a one game win streak, coming off of an 82-73 win over Wyoming. Both teams will be looking to extend their streaks.

Going into the half down 53-31, there were many aspects that the Spartans could improve on to have a better and a more successful second half. Free throws was a factor in the score difference, UNLV going 5-7 and San Jose State going 0-2. The Rebels excelled in points in the paint, outscoring the Spartans 20-18. Both teams had a problem with ball control, each team with 8 turnovers. SJSU took advantage scoring 12 points in comparison of UNLV’s 4 points.

During the first half, NgaNga led the team in points (7) coming from one three and two FG’s. For the Rebels, Jaden Henley led the way with 12 points coming from one three and four FG’s. Henley also led the team in assists being 3.

The injury bug struck again with Donovan Yap.Jr leaving the first half at 4:37 and not returning.

The second half was a battle. Being down by two, the Spartans had to come out with energy and they did. They went 5-15 from the three point line and had a 35% FG percentage. The Rebels figured out their system going 3-7 from the three point line having a 48% FG percentage.

Josh Uduje led the team in points with 23 points in the second half alone. NgaNga led with assists (3), and also tied with Uduje for rebounds (4). For the Rebels, Jeremiah Cherry led UNLV in the second half with 10 points. Jaden Haley led the team in assists (2) and Jalen Hill led in rebounds (5).

With the win, UNLV has now extended their win streak to 4. “We have a buy weekend and the first thing I told them is to rehab. Get your bodies right.” Said HC Tim Miles

The Spartans will be back in action on March 4th traveling to Colorado State to take on the Rams. Previous to this, these two teams faced off on New Years Eve, falling 72-50 at home.

SJSU drops second in a row without Uduje and McClendon 73-58

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San Jose State vs Nevada on Friday February 14th at Provident Credit Union Event Center (via SanJoseStateMBB/x)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE- Rough game for the San Jose State Spartans in a 73-58 loss against the Nevada Wolf Pack on Friday night. San Jose State looked to get back in the win column after giving up a 17 point lead after the first half, ultimately falling. A significant part of the last game on Tuesday was the absences Josh Uduje and Will McClendon. Both players were ruled out again for Friday night’s game.

Going into the locker room after the first half only up by one point, San Jose State needed to do some gameplanning. Throughout the first half, the Spartans played a decent game, scoring first. The only thing that went wrong was the amount of turnovers. San Jose State had 20 turnovers which led to the Wolfpack having more scoring chances. Pasha Goodarzi was the first half player that stood out, only missing two shots.

San Jose State didn’t come out with the energy they needed to in the second half. They shot 32.14% FG and 23% from the three-point line. Neither team scored until Nevada scored at 10:52, caused by a turnover on the Spartans. Latrell Davis stepped up once again shooting 5-12 FG and 3-9 from the three-point line, leading the team with 17 points. The only player with points in double digits.

The Spartans will be back in action on Wednesday February 19th where they will travel to Utah State to take on the Aggies. The last time these two teams faced off was on January 7th where SJSU fell short 78-85. Donovan Yap.Jr and Latrell Davis both with 20 points each but the Spartans only went 7-16 at the three point line. Only shooting 43% from the three point line and 46% from the free throw line, making those will be crucial for Wednesday’s matchup.

SJSU Spartans fall to SDSU Aztecs 69-66

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Loss Graphic (via SanJoseStateMBB/x)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE-Coming into Tuesday’s game, San Jose State played without two of their star players in the regular lineup. Josh Udujge has an elbow/back injury. Will McClendon with a knee injury. The Spartans lost a heartbreak battle in a three points loss 69-66 at Provident Credit Union Arena.

After the first half, San Jose State went into the locker room up 37-20. Latrell Davis and Donovan Yap.Jr both leading the way with 11 points. Davis made 3-4 of his 3FG’s and 4-6 of his FG’s, only missing three shots in the first half. Davis with two rebounds and Yap.Jr with three rebounds and two assists. Sadaidriene Hall with five rebounds and two assists. San Jose State dominated in multiple categories in the first half. They dominated in three pointers (38%), 2nd chance points (11-5) , and steals (7-3). “I thought we did an excellent job in the first half” said HC Tim Miles

San Diego State went 0-13 at the three point line but made 73% of their free throws. BJ Davis led the way for the Aztecs in the second half with six points. Registering three rebounds and going 4-5 from the free throw line.

In the second half, San Diego State came out determined. The Aztecs quickly erased the 17 point lead and got ahead in the first four minutes. They started making their 3’s and playing defense. This caused San Jose to have eight turnovers and helped San Diego to have seven steals. San Diego dominated in multiple aspects but one that stands out was the points off turnovers. San Diego 16 and San Jose with four. “We just looked funny. We looked flat on offense and flat on defense.” said HC Tim Miles

The Spartans will be back in action on Friday February 14th, hosting the Nevada Wolfpack. This will be the first and only matchup between these two teams this season. “Just finish the game. Finish strong. We always go on a run and then we let them go on a run for too long. We just gotta cut that and just play hard” said Latrell Davis.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: NCAA to follow President’s order ban on Transgender women

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Former San Jose State University Spartans Volleyball player Blaire Fleming (3) a trans player from the 2024 team. According to the California International Scholastic Federation trans students are allowed to participate in school programs in California. The NCAA says trans players going forward in other states will be banned (facebook photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Last year, San José State University was at the center of the transgender athlete controversy after a team member sued the school and the conference over the inclusion of a transgender teammate. Other schools also were involved in similar situations.

Today, the NCAA announced it would follow President Trump’s signing of an executive order to bar Transgender women from competing in women’s college sports. The sports organization announced on Thursday that transgender women will be barred from competing in N.C.A.A. women’s college sports, a day after President Trump effectively forced the decision by reversing federal policy. “We strongly believe that clear, consistent, and uniform eligibility standards would best serve today’s student-athletes instead of a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court decisions,” Charlie Baker, the president of the N.C.A.A., said in a statement. “To that end, President Trump’s order provides a clear, national standard.” The rules varied by sport, especially as to how much testosterone could remain in a transgender woman’s blood following hormone therapy.

USA Volleyball, for instance, allowed an athlete to compete as a woman, even with testosterone levels typical of many men. U.S. Rowing’s limit for college athletes was just one-fourth of volleyball’s. This is common sense, so this controversy is history for collegiate sports.

Polls around the country on this issue showed that 69% of the American people agree that biologically born men who are later trans to female should not be allowed to play in women’s sports. I am not an attorney, and I know you can sue a ham sandwich, so there could be lawsuits all over the place, but in my opinion, since the majority of popular opinion in this country agrees, more than likely, this will stay, especially when the NCAA agrees with this decision.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977, a role he continues to this day (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame

San Jose State win 6th straight against Air Force 75-64

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San Jose State Spartans vs Air Force Falcons on Saturday February 1st at Provident Credit Union Center (via SanJoseStateMBB/x)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE- Coming into today, San Jose State is coming off of a 71-68 loss against the San Diego State Aztecs. Previous to today’s matchup, San Jose State has won the last 5 games between these two teams.

After the first half, San Jose State went into the locker room up 37-25. Key components were making nearly all their three’s, only missing two, going 7-10. Team highs were Latrell Davis in points (12), and Robert Vaihola in rebounds (4), and assists (3). Both defense and offense put on a show with the Spartans blocking 6 shots and making 70% of their threes.

The only aspects that Air Force dominated in during the first half was free throws and 2nd chance points. Air Force made 75% of their FT’s compared to San Jose State’s 25% and had thirteen 2ndChPts compared to San Jose State’s zero. The 13 2ndChPts went hand in hand with Air Force being in the paint outscoring the Spartans 12-8.

San Jose ended with a strong second half, they went from 25% to 58% from the free throw line. “I think we got our most engaged and quickest guys defensively. It was good for us” said HC Tim Miles. Robert Vaihola put up 8 rebounds, a career-high. After being smashed in the paint, San Jose State came back and tied the Air Force 26-26 in the paint.

Latrell Davis only missed one shot in the whole game going 7-8. “I’m working with the coaches, working with management, just getting shots up before and after practice” said Latrell Davis.

The Spartans will be back in action on Tuesday February 4th traveling to take on the Fresno State Bulldogs. This will be the first matchup between these two teams this season. HC Tim Miles is winless against Fresno, adding three Fresno transfers this season. “I think we owe it to them to go out and give it our best and we owe it to our rivalry.”

SJSU hands New Mexico their first conference loss in 71-70 win

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Latrell Davis (5) celebrating after he shot a layup to give the Spartans the 71-70 win against New Mexico on Tuesday January 14th at Provident Credit Union Center (via SanJoseStateMBB/x)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE- In a game full of short leads, San Jose State extends their win streak to 2 and gives the New Mexico Lobos their first conference loss of the season.

Coming into tonight’s game, HC Tim Miles knew it was going to be a good matchup given the knowledge of the team and what they can bring to the table. “Excellent night for San Jose State, beat a high high quality opponent in a game where we weren’t at our best early.”

In quite a physical game by both sides, San Jose came out on top. Both teams had fouls in the double digits, New Mexico with 14 and San Jose with 15. “Yeah they were a physical team, but we just executed and did what we did and just played our game” said Latrell Davis.

Latrell Davis made two important shots that heavily contributed to the Spartans win tonight. He had a buzzer beater three to end the first half and a late layup in the second to put the Spartans ahead. “I thought I missed it but it went in and I was like yes!” said Latrell Davis. Davis put up 11 points with 2 assists.

Jermaine Washington had a great game tonight on both sides, defensively and offensively. Washington put up 13 points, making three 3’s, with a plus 18. Being only a freshman, this game was a step in the right direction for him “Just seeing him be able to play both sides of the floor, really exciting for him and I think he’s going to be a hell of a player next year.” said teammate Josh Uduje.

A win like this is crucial for San Jose State. Before tonight’s game, they struggled to close out and win those close games but they proved that they’re capable of it. “It’s so important for them to keep their enthusiasm up, right? Every game has been tough.” said HC Tim Miles.

The Spartans will be back in action on Saturday January 18th when they will travel to Nevada to take on the Wolfpack.

SJSU MBB extend losing streak, falling 85-78 to Utah State

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Robert Vaihola touching the net during their game on Tuesday January 7th at Provident Credit Union Center against Utah State (Via SanJoseStateMBB)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE–Coming into today’s game, San Jose State was fighting against a losing streak losing their last two, most recently on the road against UNLV, a 79-73 loss at Provident Credit Union Center.

After the 1st half, the Spartans went into the locker room trailing the Aggies 45-36. In the first half, it was all Utah State with a 46.2% 1st FG going 12-26 while San Jose State went 13-34 with a 38.2%. “Ultimately I think our first half defense let us down, it was too easy for Utah State” said HC Tim Miles.

When asked about if there was a message given to the team between halves, Miles put it simply. “It’s not repeatable”, then after chuckling he responded, “I just think we had to commit to playing harder, just effort level, and intensity, and defensive edge. I just think we didn’t have that and I let them have it at halftime”

Coming out of the gates strong, Yap Jr started the second half with a steal, drew a charge, and shot a three. That really fueled the bench and set the tone for how the rest of the game was going to go after going into the locker room down. “That was a big momentum boost for us as a group so you know, we could have that type of energy in the second half every game” said Teammate Josh Uduje.

San Jose State was able to stay in the game because of a career-high night by Donovan Yap Jr. He registered 22 total points, four assists, one steal, and went 6-10 on three pointers, his best offensive game of the season. “Coach was really preaching for us to come out playing harder defensively and I just wanted to set the tone for my team, make sure I was doing what it took to try to come out and win the game.”

Their record now falls to 7-10 but although their record isn’t the best, it doesn’t define the type of team that they are. “I feel like we’re better than the record displays, we’ve had some up and downs throughout the season but I do feel like we should have won some of those games for sure” said Yap Jr.

The Spartans will be back in action on Saturday January 11th traveling to Colorado to take on the Air Force.

SJSU falls to Boise state in heartbreaking 73-71 loss

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Robert Vaihola (22) for San Jose State playing in a game against Boise State at Provident Union Center on Saturday December 28th. (via SanJoseStateMenMBB/Instagram)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE- After transferring to Boise, Alvaro Cardenas returned to San Jose playing three seasons here and leaving a big impact. Cardenas scored seven points which was fifth in scoring for the Spartans as San Jose State came up short losing the the Boise State Broncos on Saturday afternoon 73-71.

Starting the game off 7-0, San Jose State went the locker room up 35-28 after the first half. Josh Uduje led the Spartans with 11 points 4-5 FG, Will McClendon second with 9 points, and Robert Vaihola with 4 points, 5 rebounds. The Spartans defense got to work forcing 10 turnovers.

However in the second half, Boise State cleaned that up only allowing 2 turnovers. Degenhart and Meadows had combined 6 longballs accounting for 18 points. Up until that point, Degenhart was the only one shooting three’s going 1-11 in the first half. With the game nearing the end, Donovan Yap Jr made a corner three that didn’t count because Yap Jr’s foot hit the line. That was a turning point in the game because San Jose would have been up.

With about 5 minutes left, it stopped being a game of runs with each team with back to back scoring. Will McClendon got fouled and took his first free throw. After making the first one, HC Tim Miles called a timeout to formulate his plan. McClendon intentionally missed the second free throw and Sadaidriene Hall jumped to get the rebound. After grabbing the ball, he took one dribble, went for the reverse layup, and right before shooting it, Buchanan blocked the shot to secure the Boise State win.

San Jose State will be back in action on December 31st hosting Colorado State.