San Jose State loses third straight to Saint Mary's

The San Jose State Spartans were looking to snap a two-game losing skid in the first game of their road trip against the Gaels at McKeon Pavilion on Tuesday night.

It was a back-and-forth competition between the two teams. Spartans power forward Ryan Welage had seven points and was 3-for-3 from the field early in the game. SJSU and Saint Mary's were tied 11-11 at 14:37 in the first half.

The Gaels had a 21-17 lead over the Spartans just a little over four minutes later. At the same instant, Welage hit all five of his shots and recorded a new season-high 13 points.

However, the lead was short-lived, as a transition layup by Jalen James tied the game at 21-21 with 8:46 left in the first. Then, Brandon Clarke knocked down a pair of free throws to give the Spartans a 26-25 lead.

Jaycee Hillsman knocked down his first three-ball of the year and ended the first half with 12 points. Hillsman matched a career-high with 14 points. The Spartans trailed the Gaels by three at the half.

The Spartans deserve credit, but that effort didn't lead up to a win. The Gaels continued to hit three-pointers and went on to defeat SJSU 81-16.

Welage scored a season-high 17 points, but the Spartans' record is now 1-3.

The Gaels remain undefeated with four straight wins.

The Spartans return to action Sunday when they visit the Washington State Cougars. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 pm PST on the Pac-12 Network. You can also listen to the game on KLIV 1590 AM.