A lackluster first half held the Spartans back as they lost to the University of Wyoming 88-78 on Saturday at the Provident Credit Union Event Center.
San José State’s problems stemmed from its inability to secure defensive rebounds, as it didn’t get one for the first 18:38 of the game.
Before securing their one and only defensive rebound of the half, the Spartans allowed nine offensive rebounds.
They were out-rebounded 22-8 in the half, which allowed the Cowboys to score 14 second-chance points.
The Spartans lost the first half 49-36 and trailed by as many as 21 points.
SJSU head coach Tim Miles said that he didn’t have his players ready the way they needed to be early on in the game.
“We mailed in the first 15 minutes of the game like we were just out there in the park playing ball,” Miles said. “Once we rediscovered some pride and determination, we started playing some good basketball.”
Along with the rebounding disparity, Wyoming shot 5-for-10 from 3-point range, while the Spartans failed to knock down a 3-pointer in the first half.
To coincide with their poor shooting, SJSU only assisted on two first-half baskets, marking a lack of ball movement against the Cowboys’ physical defense.
This along with poor defensive rebounding made it impossible for SJSU to grab any semblance of momentum.
Miles said the issue went beyond rebounding.
“We need to understand how we come out with a determined effort where we trust everybody that’s on the floor and we do all the things that we need to do,” Miles said. “’Cause you could see us fragment out.”
The only way the Spartans could get stops on the defensive end was by getting steals.
Even though they secured five steals in the first half, it was not indicative of their defensive presence, as they couldn’t string together stops to help dig out of their early deficit.
Late in the first half, SJSU caught stride and was able to find a rhythm on both ends of the court.
The Spartans carried that momentum into the second half, where they outscored Wyoming 42-39.
Miles acknowledged the team’s effort to respond.
“I’m glad we fought back, I thought we showed some good things at times,” Miles said.
