Despite graduate swingman Owen Koonce setting a new career-high 32 points, Cal Poly men’s basketball fell to San Jose State 107-100 in overtime Saturday at Provident Credit Union Event Center.
The Mustangs (5-7, 0-2 Big West) went back and forth with the Spartans (6-6, 0-1 Mountain West) before San Jose State pulled away in overtime.
With the return of graduate guard Jarred Hyder from injury, Cal Poly looked to get back on track after two straight losses.
The Mustangs started the game hot, shooting 13-of-19 to earn a 10-point lead halfway through the first half thanks to 12 points from Koonce. However, the Spartans took advantage of 12 Cal Poly turnovers to gain the 45-40 lead going into the break.
The teams continued to go back and forth as the Mustangs climbed out of a 13-point deficit to tie the game up at 86 with two minutes remaining.
A timely three from Hyder seemed to be the dagger to give Cal Poly the win, but after a missed free throw from graduate guard Mac Riniker, the Spartans had the chance to tie.
With three seconds remaining, San Jose State’s Sadaidriene Hall hit a second-chance three to send the game to overtime.
The Spartans got out to a fast start in overtime, hitting two quick layups, but Cal Poly would respond with free throws from Koonce and a layup from Riniker.
San Jose State still limited the Mustangs to one shot in the game’s final three minutes. Cal Poly could not stop the Spartans, who consistently got to the basket and scored en route to the overtime victory.
Koonce finished with 32 points, eclipsing his previous career high of 30, which he set against Stanford on Nov. 30.
The returning Hyder added 18 points, while freshman guard Peter Bandelj scored a career-high 16 points.
The Mustangs will play another non-conference match as they return home to play against Denver on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.