SJSU: In the wake of Utah State & SDSU

The past week for San Jose State (3-18, 0-9 MW) continues to be tough sledding with no end in sight for its 12-game losing streak.

vs. Utah State

In a 103-73 loss at Utah State (17-5, 7-2 MW) on Wednesday night, the Spartans never really threatened the Aggies. The only bright spots were the efforts of SJSU’s best inside and outside threats - forward Michael Steadman’s 20-points and guard Noah Baumann’s 15-points. Otherwise, 17 turnovers and shaky shooting continues to burden the Spartans. Utah State star Sam Merrill led the blowout win with 29-points.

vs. SDSU

Flipping the script back at home Saturday night, the Spartans put up a decent battle against an also Jekyll-and-Hyde-type team in San Diego State (13-8, 5-3 MW); losing to the Aztecs 67-56. The Aztecs started fast on a 16-3 run then fell flat in the half, as the Spartans pulled to within four points at half-time. With Steadman and Baumann held in check, Spartan forward Craig LeCesne and guard Brae Ivey led with 14 and 12-points, respectively. The fast and athletic Aztecs, led by Devin Watson 27-points and Jalen McDaniels 22-points, surprisingly, also earned their first conference road win.

Trying to find other bright spots for SJSU, the Spartans kept turnovers to a relatively respectable level with 13 and shot almost 85% from the free-throw line against the Aztecs, where they’ve otherwise been dismal. These are very small little wins, but nonetheless, slow and incremental improvements to hang the proverbial hat on - though it doesn’t get any easier when the Spartans head to Boise State next Saturday.