San Jose State vs. Denver final score: Spartans come up short against Pioneers

San Jose State jumped out to an early 10-4 lead over Denver at 15:46 in the first half. The Spartans maintained their lead throughout. Sophomore forward Ryan Welage added offense to help his team up as the teams played to a 34-34 deadlock at 2:13.

The game shifted shortly after as junior guard Jalen James hit a go-ahead three-pointer to put the Spartans ahead 36-34 with 52 seconds left in the first.

SJSU continued to keep it a close game, trailing by just one.

The Pioneers' bench had 26 points in the first half. They had a 38-37 lead at halftime.

The game went down to the wire. Denver defeated SJSU by a score of 74-69. Not only that, Pioneers head coach Rodney Billups picked up his first collegiate win.

Regardless of the final result, both teams should be proud of their achievements.

Pioneers junior guard Duke Douglas scored a career-high 12 points. Meanwhile, Spartans junior guard Jalen James matched his career-high with 13 points for the second time this season.

The Spartans embark on a three-game road trip starting with St. Mary's Gaels next Tuesday at McKeon Pavilion. Game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 pm PST.