SAN JOSE, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined by remarkable symmetry through regulation, Colby Garland ensured the extra session belonged solely to San Jose State.

The junior guard from Magnolia, Arkansas, erupted for a career-high 27 points, including eight in overtime, to propel the Spartans to an 89-83 victory over Long Beach State in a nonconference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at the Event Center.

Garland’s performance was the decisive factor in a contest that saw the teams tied at 77 after a second half where both squads scored 38 points, following an opening period that ended deadlocked at 39. The statistical mirror extended to possessions, with each team having 74, but San Jose State’s superior efficiency, particularly at the free-throw line and from the field, proved critical down the stretch.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute of overtime. With San Jose State clinging to an 85-83 lead, Long Beach State’s Gavin Sykes missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer. Garland secured the defensive rebound, was fouled, and calmly sank both free throws with nine seconds remaining to push the lead to four. After a Long Beach State turnover, Garland was fouled again and iced the game with two more makes from the line, part of a perfect 8-for-8 night at the stripe in overtime.

San Jose State (5-5) scored 12 points in the extra period, with Garland accounting for all but four of them. Long Beach State (2-9), which has now lost three games in overtime this season, managed just six points in overtime, missing all four of its 3-point attempts.

The game was a duel of standout guards. Garland, who added four assists in 40 minutes, consistently answered the challenges posed by Long Beach State’s backcourt duo. Sykes, a Sacramento native, scored 26 points for the 49ers, while Petar Majstorovic of Sombor, Serbia, added 21 points and a game-high four steals.

San Jose State’s offensive balance provided crucial support. Yaphet Moundi, a forward from Paris, France, contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, while guard Jermaine Washington of Hemet, California, chipped in 14 points and six assists. Sadraque NgaNga added 10 points off the bench.

Long Beach State’s effort was hampered by 14 turnovers and a 7-for-24 performance from beyond the arc. The 49ers did dominate the offensive glass, grabbing 14 rebounds to San Jose State’s four, leading to a 74-67 advantage in total field goal attempts. However, the Spartans’ shooting accuracy negated that volume, connecting on 55.6% of their shots (30 of 54) compared to Long Beach State’s 47.8% (32 of 67). From the free-throw line, the disparity was stark: San Jose State made 20 of 27, while Long Beach State was 12 of 14.

Rob Diaz provided a spark off the bench for the 49ers with nine points, two assists, and three combined blocks and steals. Cole Farrell added 11 points and four assists.

The Spartans, who were installed as 7.5-point favorites, improved to 4-1 at home this season. They will host Stanford on Saturday. Long Beach State, which fell to 0-6 on the road, will look to rebound when it hosts Pepperdine on Dec. 18.

An announced crowd of 1,472 watched as San Jose State secured a win that was far more tense than the pregame projections, which gave the Spartans a 90.6% probability of victory. The total points scored, 172, sailed over the over/under line of 142.