San Jose State University Spartans forward Colby Garland (0) takes the ball up the floor against Cal State East Bay at Provident Union Event Sports Center in San Jose on Mon Oct 27, 2025 (San Jose State University photo)
By Ryan Hannagan
SAN JOSE–An exhibition game against Cal State East Bay Pioneers didn’t exactly start off as planned for the Spartans on Monday night. But in the end which where it really counts the Spartans came away with a 73-60 win.
Early foul trouble amongst starters and poor shooting in the first half led the Spartans to a rough start. After 20 minutes, the Spartans trailed 38-36 going into half.
When asked about what was discussed at half time, head coach Tim Miles told Sports Radio Service, “We’re not going to lose this game because we don’t work at it, free throws are mental toughness. Free throws are discipline… When a team doesn’t make free throws, to me, they’re not ready to play. Mind right, game right.”
What was discussed at half time sparked the Spartans in the right direction. With consecutive three pointers from Javaughn Hannah, the second half began with a 7-0 run that reversed the momentum in the favor of the blue and yellow.
The Spartans turned a slim deficit into a lead they didn’t give up for the remainder of the game, all the while East Bay struggled with foul trouble and missed field goals.
Hannah finished with a game high 17 points, continuing to dominate in the closing minutes. With forward Jermaine Washington spending a lot of time on the bench due to foul trouble, Colby Garland contributed 12 points, all in the first half, to help SJSU stay within striking distance of the game.
Although the exhibition wasn’t easy, it provided the obstacles, chemistry, and opportunity that preseason games are meant to provide.
According to Miles, “that first half showed we weren’t sharing it, we weren’t trying to create for anybody else.” “We were prepared to play in the second half.”
SJSU ended a more difficult than expected opener by winning the last battles on the boards and at the free throw line. The Spartans depart with a reminder of the standard they wish to maintain and the pressing need to reach it as the regular season approaches.
Sports Radio Service 