SAN JOSE, Calif. — A great team effort came up tantalizingly short when the CSUB men's basketball team fell to San Jose State in overtime, 84-80, Wednesday night at the Event Center In San Jose.
CSUB got tremendous efforts from several players, most notably sophomore forward Donald Johnson (Lancaster/Eastern Arizona), who posted his first collegiate double-double with season highs of 20 points and 13 rebounds. Senior forward Trent Blakley (Alta Loma HS) scored all 21 of his points after halftime to help the Roadrunners erase a nine-point deficit in the final four minutes and force overtime.
Coming into game after shooting less than 30 percent in their previous two games, the Roadrunners remained in their funk by shooting just nine for 31 to open the game. But they caught fire late in the period, making three of their final four to go into halftime trailing by just four at 35-31.
The second half proved to be a different story as CSUB enjoyed its best shooting half of the season, making 15 of 30 before a desperation three-point attempt at the buzzer came up short. But San Jose State's two-headed monster of forward Chris Oakes and guard Adrian Oliver countered the solid Roadrunner effort. Oakes grabbed 12 of his game-high 18 rebounds after intermission while Oliver scored 18 of his game-high 30 points after the break.
The second half featured nine ties and 12 lead changes as neither team could find a handle on a well-played half. San Jose State seemed to grasp the game by the throat when an 8-0 run put the Spartans up 69-60 with four minutes remaining.
But the 'Runners stepped up the intensity on the defensive end of the floor from that point, and back-to-back Blakley threes keyed a 10-0 run the gave them a 70-69 lead with 1:17 to play, setting up a furious final minute.
Oliver hit a big three from the corner late in the ensuing San Jose State possession to put the Spartans back on top 72-70. Donavan Bragg (Inglewood/Serra HS) missed a good look at the basket on CSUB's next trip down the floor, but Johnson fought for a huge offensive rebound then swished a short jumper in the lane for the points that forced overtime.
CSUB earned the first possession of overtime when Bryan Emanual (Lakewood/Mayfair HS) stole a tip won by Oakes. Santwon Latunde (Landover, Md./Cowley County CC) and Johnson both fought through contact inside but couldn't finish short jumpers.
Oliver scored the next four points to give the Spartans a lead they would not relinquish.
In addition to Blakley and Johnson, the 'Runners got 15 points from Bragg and 11 from Latunde. It marked the first time this season that four 'Runners scored in double figures.
CSUB will take a week off to prepare for 2009 NCAA Tournament qualifier Utah State. The Aggies visit Rabobank Arena Wednesday, Dec. 16, for Pack the House Night sponsored by KGET–TV 17 and Carl's Jr. Free tickets for all fans are available now at Bakersfield area Carl's Jr. restaurants.
