SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San José State Spartans delivered a stunning upset Tuesday night, defeating the Nevada Wolf Pack 87-71 in a Mountain West Conference matchup at the Provident Credit Union Event Center. The Spartans, who had been struggling throughout the season, snapped an eight-game losing streak with a dominant performance fueled by hot shooting and a relentless offensive attack.
Colby Garland led the Spartans with 29 points, including four three-pointers, and added nine assists in 40 minutes of action. Adrian Myers contributed a career-high 21 points and 13 rebounds, dominating the boards and providing a crucial inside presence. The victory marked the 50th Mountain West conference win for Head Coach Tim Miles, tying him for 11th all-time in conference victories.
San José State (7-18, 2-12 MW) never trailed in the contest, controlling the game from the opening tip and leading for over 39 minutes. The Spartans built an 18-point first-half advantage and took a 47-32 lead into the break, continuing to match Nevada’s scoring output in the second half to secure the 16-point win. The team shot an impressive 30-of-58 (51.7 percent) from the field and 15-of-29 (51.7 percent) from three-point range, showcasing their offensive efficiency.
Nevada (17-9, 9-6 MW) struggled to contain the Spartans’ attack, despite outscoring San José State in the paint, 32-14. Corey Camper Jr. Led the Wolf Pack with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome San José State’s hot shooting and overall team performance.
Spartans Control from Tip to Buzzer in Victory Over Nevada https://t.co/WZOUXRnN47
— San Jose State Men’s Basketball (@SanJoseStateMBB) February 18, 2026
Early Offensive Surge Sets the Tone
The Spartans came out firing, with Sadraque Nganga hitting back-to-back three-pointers early in the game. Adrian Myers followed with a pair of his own, and Melvin Bell Jr. Joined the three-point barrage, igniting a 17-5 start that forced an early timeout from Nevada. This early offensive explosion established the tone for the remainder of the game, as San José State maintained control throughout. According to reporting from the Reno Gazette-Journal, Nevada struggled with turnovers early, allowing San José State to capitalize on every mistake.
Garland’s All-Around Performance Key to Victory
Colby Garland’s performance was pivotal for the Spartans. His 29 points and nine assists demonstrated his ability to both score and facilitate the offense. The Spartans recorded 18 assists on 30 made field goals, highlighting their ball movement and teamwork. Sadraque NgaNga added 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, and Melvin Bell Jr. Chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds, showcasing a balanced scoring effort from the Spartans.
Second-Chance Points Prove Decisive
San José State also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring Nevada 19-11 in second-chance points. This ability to extend possessions and convert offensive rebounds into points proved crucial in maintaining their lead and ultimately securing the victory. The Spartans’ overall efficiency, combined with their ability to capitalize on opportunities, proved too much for the Wolf Pack to handle.
What’s Next for the Spartans?
The Spartans will look to carry this momentum into their next game against Utah State. This win provides a significant boost to their confidence and offers a glimpse of their potential as they navigate the remainder of the Mountain West season. The team will need to maintain their offensive efficiency and continue to capitalize on opportunities to build on this success.
What are your thoughts on the Spartans’ upset victory? Share your comments below and let us know what you think they need to do to continue this momentum!
