San Jose State edges UNC Greensboro in tight 69-64 game
- Donavan Yap scored 14 points and contributed five rebounds in the game.
- San Jose State maintained a strong lead at halftime, leading 31-20.
- The Spartans held on for a close victory despite being outscored in the second half.
On November 26, 2024, San Jose State University hosted a closely contested basketball game in Henderson, Nevada, where they faced off against UNC Greensboro. The matchup ended with the San Jose State Spartans narrowly defeating the UNC Greensboro Spartans by a score of 69-64. San Jose State went into the halftime break leading by a significant margin at 31-20, primarily due to the efforts of Donavan Yap, who contributed 14 points throughout the game. Sadraque NgaNga and Will McClendon also played key roles in the victory, scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively. Although the San Jose State Spartans struggled in the second half, they maintained enough of a lead to ensure their third win of the season, improving their record to 3-5. In the second half, the game saw a stronger performance from UNC Greensboro's Ronald Polite III, who led his team with 19 points. His teammates, Kenyon Giles and Jalen Breath, added 15 points and 9 points with 10 rebounds, respectively. Although the Spartans from UNC Greensboro fought back, outscoring their rivals by six points in the second half, they could not overcome the deficit built in the first period. This game was part of a non-conference schedule for both teams, and it showcased the resilience of the San Jose State squad as they managed to hold onto their lead despite the pressure in the latter part of the match. The victory over UNC Greensboro provides San Jose State with a boost in confidence as they look to build momentum moving forward in the season. This win is particularly important as the Spartans aim to improve their performance after struggling in the first half of the season. The limited non-conference schedule creates an urgency for teams to secure wins to prepare for upcoming conference play. Donavan Yap’s contributions indicate potential for further development, and if others maintain their performance levels, the Spartans could see a turnaround in their overall season performance. In summary, the game highlighted not only the individual skills of players like Donavan Yap but also the importance of teamwork and strategic execution in high-pressure situations. As the San Jose State Spartans continue to grow and adjust, their ability to secure victories will be a significant aspect to watch as the season progresses.