That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Supreme Court to hear transgender athletes case; Laney coach Beam celebration of life; plus more news

Blaire Fleming former Volleyball player for the San Jose State Spartans and transgender player was outed by a former teammate. The SCOTUS will hear arguments for and against keeping transgender athletes out of college sports on women’s teams (SJSU Spartans file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, the US Supreme Court heard opening statements Tuesday for and against transgender athletes whether or not to allow transgender females to be allowed to play on women’s sports teams.

#2 In 2020 the federal law prohibited discrimination employment that would stop transgender women from participating in sports based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

#3 The celebration of life was a tough one to take at the Henry J Kaiser Center in Oakland on Sunday for the late Laney College football coach John Beam. Beam shot at Laney’s fieldhouse on Nov 13 and passed away on Nov 14th., Cedric Irving Jr 27 a former Laney student charged in the murder of Beam. Beam was once a student of Beam’s.

#4 Ironically the A’s canceled the name Sacramento from their name just calling themselves Athletics for the next two seasons but the US Patents office canceled the A’s from calling themselves Las Vegas or Vegas. This could very well could force the A’s to have to rebrand their name from Athletics to some other name if they want to copyright their name for the purposes of revenue from marketing, concession, ticket, stadium rights and branding copy rights. Changing the A’s name would change the face of their history and the A’s name could be lost to baseball history.

#5 The San Francisco 49ers just hung on for a 23-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles to advance to the next round of the playoffs in Seattle. As you might remember the 49ers lost 13-3 on Sat Jan 17th to the Seahawks at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on the last day of the regular season. Will the 49ers take a page out of that loss to the Seahawks or will Lumin Field and the Seahawks 12th man be ready for the 49ers this Saturday in round two of the playoffs?

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 ending in 2024 (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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

SJSU falls to Boise state in heartbreaking 73-71 loss

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.

San Jose State Loses Final Game To Utah State 90-70

The San Jose State Spartans guard Latrell Davis (6) and forward Tibet Gorener (5) battle Utah State Aggies forward Great Osobor (1) at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Wed Mar 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

By Troy Ewers 

San Jose, CA – In the final home game of the season, the San Jose State Spartans host Utah State. Last game Alvaro Cardenas scored 17 points to lead San José State (9-21, 2-15 Mountain West) in a 68-50 loss at UNLV (18-10, 11-5 Mountain West) on Saturday night. • Cardenas shot an efficient 6-for-9 from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range. On Wednesday night San Jose State lost their last game of the season by 20 points to end the season 90-70 to Utah State.

The first half for the Spartans was a fast paced half, but not with the results SJSU was hoping for. Missed shots and turnovers created a gap between Utah State and SJSU where the Spartans were further and further away from the lead.

A lack of offensive boards didn’t help the fact that the Spartans were missing shots. Only 4 offensive boards in the half. MJ Amey Jr. was taking over on offense for SJSU with 15 points in the first, but the lead was still significant for Utah State. Mason Falslev of Utah State hit a 3 pointer to end the half with a statement as they led the Spartans 53-37 at halftime. 

Hot start for Utah State and they didn’t let up the whole half. Darius Brown II had 21 points and 9 assists and Falslev had 20 points (8-11 FG, 2-3 3pt) which led Utah State in a big lead.

Falslev, despite a great game went down with two minutes left in the game with what appeared to be an ankle injury. For SJSU Amey Jr. led the Spartans with 20 points, but it was nowhere enough as they clocked in a 90-70 loss in their final regular season game.

San Jose State Loses In Las Vegas Against UNLV 68-50

The San Jose Spartans forward Tibet Gorener (12) studies the basket during a free throw against the UNLV Runnin Rebels at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Sat Mar 2, 2024 (San Jose Spartans photo)

Saturday, March 2nd, 2024

By Troy Ewers

The Runnin Rebels of UNLV host the San Jose State Spartans in the final away game of this regular season for the Spartans. Last game San Jose State lost to No. 20 San Diego State. – Myron (MJ) Amey Jr. produced a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead San José State(9-20, 2-14 Mountain West) in a 72-64 loss at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.  

A low scoring first half, neither team shooting more than 40% from the field. UNLV started the game with a 13-2 run eight minutes in and even though SJSU would bring it close at points in the half, the Spartans couldn’t string together a good enough run to take the lead. UNLV with the lead at halftime 33-18. 

Second half it was clear San Jose State couldn’t get a bucket at all. Shooting better than the first half, but not so much better as they only could generate 17-53 from the field. Neither team was hitting well from three, but UNLV shot well enough from the field to hold a commanding lead.

Spartans leading scorer Alvaro Cardenas delivered 17 points to try to get the Spartans to close the gap, but Runnin Rebels Dedan Thomas Jr. led UNLV in points with 18 points and it was a big part of UNLV’s lead here. The clock ran out and it was forsure over at this point as UNLV beat the Spartans 68-50. 

Next game for San Jose State is tier final game of the season in San Jose at the Provident Credit Union Event Center and it’s against Utah State, Wednesday night March 6th. 

San Diego State Beats San Jose State 72-64 Thanks To Jaedon Ledee With A Double-Double

San Jose State Spartans forward Trey Anderson (15) and the Spartans took a tough loss to the San Diego Aztecs in San Diego on Tue Feb 27, 2024 (San Jose State Spartans photo)

Tuesday, February 27th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

The San Jose State Spartans are in San DIego facing the San Diego State Aztecs.  Myron (MJ) Amey Jr., Latrell Davis and Alvaro Cardenas each scored more than 10 points to lead the Spartans (9-19, 2-13 Mountain West) in an 84-63 loss to Nevada (22-6, 9-5 Mountain West) on Friday night.

When the Spartans played San Diego State on Jan. 9, they were down two with a chance to tie the game with three seconds left but Trey Anderson’s layup attempt was blocked by Jay Pal. The Spartans lost the contest by only three, 81-78, against the Aztecs who were ranked 19th in the nation. 

The first half was a back and forth game, but both teams shot under 40% from the field for the majority of the half. At the end of the half it was a low scoring performance where SDSU led 29-22. 

A more eventful second half for the Spartans as the Aztecs held the lead the whole way, but SJSU was able to close the gap at a point in the game. MJ Amey Jr. put up a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, but compared to Jaedon Ledee came through with 27 points and 11 rebounds to defeat the Spartans 72-64.

Alvaro Cardenas who leads the conference in assists only had 2 assists this game and the Spartans only shot two free throws all game (they went 50%). 

The next game for the Spartans is in Las Vegas against UNLV on Saturday, March 2nd. With only 2 games in the season left, it seems like the Spartans season may be over, but they proved tonight this team won’t quit.

Despite close first half San Jose falls to Nevada 84-63

Photo courtesy of San Jose State Athletics.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- Looking for redemption San Jose took on Nevada at home.

After a quick start to the first half seeing Nevada jump out to a 10-5 lead San Jose responded and with 5:50 left it was a one point game at 22-21.

San Jose was never able to take a lead but Nevada could never pull to far away either as the opening half ended at 34-29.

The leading scorer in the first half for San Jose State was Latrell Davis who posted 11 points shooting 4-8.

For Nevada Nick Davidson lead the way with seven points as he shot a very efficient 3-4.

In the second half SJSU was able to tie it this time at 40 just four minutes into the half.

Unfortunately after the tie Nevada went on a long run as they took their lead to 57-42.

After extending their lead to 67-48 SJSU was able to pull back a little closer at 72-59 which lead Nevada to take a timeout.

The effort ended up mattering little though as Nevada was able to cruise the rest of the way to a 84-63 victory.

Overall in the game the leading scorer was Nick Davidson who dropped 23 points going an extremely impressive 8-9 from the field.

SJSU did have two players reach double digits as Myron Amey Jr. dropped 18 and Davis dropped 17.

With the loss the Spartans fall to 9-19 while Nevada improves to an incredible 22-6.

As the season winds down San Jose State will play next San Diego State on the road on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

San Jose State blown out by Boise 82-50

Photo taken by Titus Wilkinson.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

The Spartans hit the road in Boise Idaho to take on a tough opponent in Boise State(18-8) at Extra Mile Arena in Boise.

Heading into this game San Jose State (9-18) had lost their last game against Wyoming in very close fashion 80-75.

The first half for San Jose State was about as bad as it gets. To put it simply the Spartans shot 22% from the field going 6-27 and with only three of their players scoring.

What really did the Spartans in though was a seven point run by Boise that tacked on to their already sizable lead making it 25-10.

Boise on the other hand while not incredible did what they needed to do going 52% from the field with Degenhart leading the way with nine points.

With the score at 38-16 starting off the second half the teams would exchange buckets.

Despite San Jose shooting significantly better the defense could not stop Boise’s offense as Max Rice and Chibuzo Agbo were the main catalysts.

Unsurprisingly in the second half the leading scorer was Myron Amey Jr. who dropped 13 while going 5-8 from the field.

The score ended at 82-50 with San Jose State finishing at 32.7% from the field while collecting 24 rebounds.

Boise State shot 55.2% from the field with their leading scorer being Tyson Degenhart who dropped 15 points.

One of the more shocking performances tonight was San Jose State’s Alvaro Cardenas who went 0-6 recording no points and four turnovers.

With the season starting to come to a close San Jose State will come back home to play Nevada who they played previously on the road in what was not a pretty affair. As the Spartans lost against Nevada by a final of 90-60.

San Jose State will look to bounce back against Nevada on Friday at 7 p.m.

San Jose State Loses To Wyoming 80-75

San Jose State Spartans guard Latrell Davis takes a jump shot against the Wyoming Cowboys at the Provident Credit Event Center in San Jose on Sat Feb 17, 2024 (San Jose Spartans photo image)

Saturday, February 17th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – The Wyoming Cowboys come to the Golden State for a matchup with the San Jose State Spartans in the Provident Credit Union Event Center. For Wyoming it’s the first of a two-game road trip. In these two teams’ first meeting of the season and the first conference game for the Spartans, SJSU lost at the buzzer, despite leading for most of the contest.

Wyoming heads into this game with a 12-12 record and a 5-6 conference record, while the Spartans are 9-16 with a 2-10 conference record. San Jose State comes into this game shooting 45.7% from the field and 35.2% from behind the arc and after a win against Air Force last game, SJSU looks to keep the fire burning against the Cowboys. The Spartans just couldn’t hold their own dropping the contest to the Cowboys 80-75 on Saturday night.

The first half was primarily dominated by Wyoming as three pointers were falling for the Cowboys. Wyoming hit 9-18, going 50% from behind the arc keeping a wide distance between them and the Spartans.

Wyoming’s guard Sam Griffin led the Cowboys in the first half in points (11), rebounds (4), and assists (3), while MJ Amey Jr. led the Spartans in points with eight. At halftime Wyoming had a clear cut lead 43-29 and if the Spartans needed to get any type of momentum to win this game, shots needed to fall both in the paint and behind the arc. 

SJSU started the second half generating a comeback, but it was halted when they went on a three minute scoring drought. Akuel Kot of Wyoming dropped 20 points before going to the bench with what appears to be an ankle injury.

The game went within five points for San Jose State  with five minutes left after Latrell Davis got a basket by goaltending. The game got closer and closer for the Spartans all the way to a one point game, but Wyoming pulled away and ended up winning the game 80-75. 

The Spartans lose another conference game making their record in the Mountain West record 2-11. San Jose State’s next game will be in Boise, Idaho against Boise State on February 20th.

Spartans end losing skid against Air Force 73-66

Photo taken by Titus Wilkinson.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- The Spartans returned home to take on Air Force after losing to Colorado last game.

Things in this one got off to a solid start for the Spartans as they would take an early 11-9 lead over Air Force.

After that early lead the score swung back-and-forth between both teams as they both looked to fully pull away.

Towards the end of the half Air Force got up to a 32-27 lead thanks in large part to Rytis Petratis who was cooking in the first.

The half ended at 34-31 with the Spartans looking to come back in the second.

Only four minutes until the second half San Jose State was able to take the lead as the score was now 42-39.

The teams then went on to exchange baskets but a big run by the home team had them pull away to a comfortable 61-47 lead.

That lead ended up being the killing blow as Air Force never was able to overcome the deficit.

The game ended at 73-66 with the home crowd celebrating the victory.

Tonight as per usual was the Myron Amey Jr. and Alvaro Cardenas show as they combined for 47 points total against Air Force.

On the other side Petratis was dominant for Air Force despite a quieter second half as he dropped 26 points.

Overall the Spartans shot a stellar 64.1% from the field with most of their points coming from the paint.

Air Force struggled to sink much of anything shooting a measly 43% from the field and 36% from three.

The Spartans will look to continue their good momentum as they’ll take on Wyoming on Saturday at home at 7 p.m.

Spartans Lose Again As Colorado State Beats San Jose State 66-47

Nique Clifford guard (10) goes for the easy lay up for the Colorado State Rams against the San Jose State Spartans guard Alvaro Cardenas (13) at Moby Arena in Fort Collins CO on Fri Feb 9, 2024 (image by Colorado State Rams)

Friday, February 9th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

The Colorado State Rams host the San Jose State Spartans in this Friday night Mountain West Conference battle. Friday night’s game was Tim Miles’ second time back at Moby Arena in Fort Collins since he left Colorado State after the 2011-12 season to become the head coach at Nebraska.

Miles was the head coach at CSU for five seasons, from 2007-08 through 2011-12, where he compiled a 61-78 record. Unfortunately Miles couldn’t turn back his old team as the Spartans were dropped by the Rams 66-47.

A shaky first half for the Spartans as Colorado State ran away with this game early. Scoring 22 points in the paint, the Rams were in top of the Spartans all half. Rashaan Mbemba led the Rams at the half with 10 points and was one of the pivotal pieces that was scoring in the paint.

San Jose State was not shooting well, especially from three. On Tuesday night against Fresno State, Tibet Gorener made his 162nd career 3-pointer, becoming the Spartans’ all time leader in 3-pointers made, but made none in the first half. SJSU at halftime fell behind Colorado State, 38-19 and needed a quick solution to the offensive takeover the Rams were providing. 

Even though SJSU made a slight comeback in the beginning of the second half with 12 points in the first four minutes, it didn’t matter as the Rams never stopped dominating the game. 23 points off the bench for CSU and 38 points in the paint made it difficult to gain any ground for the Spartans. The game was a runaway as it ended with Colorado State winning 66-47. 

The positive in this loss for the San Jose State Spartans was that Alvaro Cardenas continued putting up double digit points against the Rams just like he did in both games of the 2022-23 season. This game Cardenas scored 14 points going 6-13 from the field, but still didn’t equal a W for SJSU. The next game for San Jose State is back at home against Air Force on February 13th and as the season winds down before we approach March Madness, the Spartans want to end with pride and some noise in their favor.