SAN JOSE, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, the San Jose State Spartans secured a decisive 80-66 victory over the visiting Southern Jaguars in a non-conference men’s basketball matchup Friday night at the Event Center.

A crowd of 1,773 watched as the Spartans used a dominant first-half performance to build a cushion and then methodically managed the game in the second half to improve their season record to 2-3. The Jaguars, meanwhile, fell to 2-4 with the loss, unable to overcome a significant disparity in shooting accuracy and free throw opportunities.

The contest was effectively decided in the opening period. San Jose State came out firing, connecting on eight of its 18 attempts from beyond the three-point arc in the first half. This sharp shooting, combined with a relentless attack that drew frequent fouls, allowed the Spartans to build a 42-35 lead by halftime. Southern struggled to find its rhythm from deep, making just seven of 28 three-point attempts for the game, a key factor in their inability to close the gap.

San Jose State’s offensive execution was a model of efficiency. The Spartans scored 80 points on just 70 possessions, translating to an elite offensive rating of 114.7. They were highly effective from the floor, shooting 25 for 53, and capitalized on their trips to the free throw line, converting 22 of 29 attempts. In contrast, the Jaguars managed 66 points on 75 possessions, an offensive rating of 88.4, and shot 24 of 61 from the field. Southern was more efficient at the charity stripe, making 11 of 14, but the sheer volume of San Jose State’s attempts proved to be a major advantage.

The Spartans were led by a balanced and potent offensive attack. Yaphet Moundi, a 6-foot-8 forward from Paris, France, was a force inside, scoring a team-high 21 points while also contributing on the glass and adding a block in 37 minutes of action. He was instrumental in drawing fouls and getting to the line, a theme for the San Jose State offense throughout the night.

He was ably supported by a trio of guards who provided scoring and playmaking. Jermaine Washington of Hemet, California, chipped in 17 points, while Ben Roseborough from Sacramento, California, and Colby Garland of Magnolia, Arkansas, each added 16 points. Garland also dished out a team-high five assists, directing the Spartan offense with poise.

For Southern, the offensive load was carried primarily by Michael Jacobs. The 6-foot-2 guard from Atlanta, Georgia, poured in a game-high 24 points in just 27 minutes of play. He was a constant threat driving to the basket, but his efforts were not enough to spark a sustained rally from the Jaguars.

Beyond the shooting percentages, other statistical categories highlighted the differences in the game. San Jose State controlled the offensive glass, pulling down 12 offensive rebounds to Southern’s seven, creating valuable second-chance opportunities. The Jaguars did exhibit more disruptive defense, recording 11 steals and three blocks compared to the Spartans’ six steals and two blocks. DaMariee Jones of Bessemer, Alabama, was a defensive presence for Southern, recording three blocks. However, both teams were turnover-prone, with San Jose State committing 15 and Southern giving the ball away 14 times.

The game’s flow saw San Jose State establish control early. After Southern’ Cam Amboree opened the scoring with a three-pointer, the Spartans responded with a 9-0 run and never relinquished the lead. Southern stayed within striking distance for much of the first half, with Terrance Dixon providing an early spark off the bench, but a late push by San Jose State gave them a seven-point halftime lead.

In the second half, the Spartans consistently answered every Jaguar push. Whenever Southern managed to cut the deficit, San Jose State would respond with a key basket, often from Moundi inside or a timely three-pointer, to maintain a comfortable margin. The Jaguars could never string together enough stops and scores to seriously threaten the Spartan lead in the final 20 minutes.

The victory provides a positive momentum shift for San Jose State as they prepare to travel to Palm Desert, California, to face Tulsa on Tuesday. Southern will look to regroup and return to the win column when they visit Northwestern State next Saturday.