SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San José State men’s basketball team is gearing up to host the Nevada Wolfpack at the Provident Credit Union Event Center on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. (PT). Fans can catch the action on the Mountain West Network or tune in to KTRB 860 AM for the live broadcast.
The Spartans (6-19, 1-13 MW) are currently facing challenges, having lost their last five matchups against Nevada, with their most recent victory coming during the 2023 Mountain West Tournament Quarterfinals. Their last home win against the Wolfpack dates back to January 8, 2020, when they narrowly edged out Nevada with a 70-68 scoreline. Earlier this season, the Spartans faced off against Nevada but suffered a significant defeat, losing 87-54.
Colby Garland, who has emerged as a key player for SJSU, is making waves in the conference, currently averaging 18.8 points per game—ranking him second in the Mountain West and 58th nationally. This impressive scoring average marks the highest for a Spartan since Richard Washington, who averaged 19.5 points in the 2020-21 season. Garland has scored over 20 points in his last four games and has hit double figures in 19 out of 21 contests this season.
In the previous game against Nevada, Melvin Bell Jr. led the Spartans with 15 points, and he has continued to impress, scoring a career-high 22 points against UNLV. Bell has consistently contributed to the team’s performance, recording double-digit points in nine out of 11 conference games and remaining the only Spartan to participate in every game this season. He ranks second in the Mountain West for minutes played per game in conference action.
The Spartans have had a dynamic roster this season, utilizing 12 different starting lineups, particularly in their conference games. They have demonstrated improved ball control, with seven or fewer turnovers in four straight outings. Alongside Garland and Bell, Adrian Myers is leading the team in blocks, while Jermaine Washington has developed into a standout three-point shooter, averaging 2.4 threes per game, ranking him seventh in the conference.
As the Spartans prepare for their matchup with Nevada, the team is looking to break their losing streak and build momentum for the remainder of the season. With talented players stepping up and showing improvement, there is optimism for what lies ahead in the coming games.