Spartans Fall to UNLV Despite Stellar Performances from Garland and Goodarzi
A resilient effort from San José State men’s basketball wasn’t enough to overcome a strong second-half push from UNLV, resulting in an 82-75 loss Tuesday night at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The Spartans, now 6-18 overall and 1-12 in Mountain West play, showcased impressive individual performances despite the setback.
First-Half Fight, Second-Half Struggles
San José State demonstrated early tenacity, erasing a nine-point deficit and briefly taking the lead in the first half. Despite the promising start, the Spartans trailed 45-41 at halftime. The teams traded blows early in the second half, tying the game at 49-49, but a decisive 13-6 run by UNLV created separation, building their largest lead of the night – 13 points – with 8:56 remaining. While the Spartans managed to narrow the gap to three points in the final minutes, a complete comeback proved elusive.
Garland and Goodarzi Lead the Charge
Colby Garland continued his impressive scoring streak, leading all Spartans with 23 points. This marks the third consecutive game Garland has reached the 20-point threshold, and the 11th time this season he’s achieved the feat. He also led the team in shot attempts, tallying 25 – the most by a Spartan in a single game since Omari Moore’s 26 shots against Boise State on February 25, 2023.
Alongside Garland, Pasha Goodarzi delivered a career-defining performance, scoring a career-high 21 points. Goodarzi’s performance included a perfect 8-for-8 shooting night from the foul line, setting a new personal best for made free throws. He has also scored in double figures in his last two games and has hit multiple three-pointers in four consecutive contests.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Despite a limited rotation – only seven players saw action due to injuries – several Spartans made valuable contributions. Melvin Bell Jr. recorded nine points and four rebounds, while Sadraque NgaNga added nine points and a team-high eight rebounds off the bench. Adrian Myers also had a standout night, dishing out a career-high eight assists, alongside six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Japhet Moupadele also contributed, knocking down a career-high three three-pointers.
Consistent Ball Control a Bright Spot
One area of consistent performance for the Spartans has been ball control. The team has committed seven or fewer turnovers in three straight games, demonstrating improved decision-making and execution.
Looking Ahead
The Spartans return home to host Grand Canyon on Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m. from the Provident Credit Union Event Center. The game will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.
