UNLV arrived at Walt McPherson Court on an upswing of sorts, with a sense of gelling as a team. If that wasn't cemented Wednesday night, if was at least reinforced as the Running Rebels took down the Spartans 70-46. San Jose State University managed 25 points in the first 20 minutes, then just 21 in the second half. The initial period had Coach Wojcik's guys finishing with an impressive 18 points in the paint and a measly pair of turnovers.
Roscoe Smith had 12 points plus 15 boards for the Sin City-ites while big man Khem Birch was quiet except for six blocked shots.
The Spartans shot 29% for the game, 3-21 from long distance and took a paltry 11 free throw attempts -- all nails in the proverbial coffin, as well as being out-rebounded 40-31.
SJSU junior forward Jaleel Williams finished with 16 points and nine rebounds -- both numbers team-leading on the night -- but his wasn't really a strong performance despite its approach to a double-double.
Like other teams San Jose State University has faced, UNLV was not a dominator and could have been taken with the right opponent team composition. But that isn't this season's Spartans who are finding advanced scouting and preparation in league play is so much more on-target. The Washington Square-ites are simply too young right now, not strong enough upfront and overall. The promising looking attempts at going to the hoop are more often than not becoming Hail Mary attempts as defenders rotate and converge.
It's a learning season.
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