Spartans Travel To Seattle To Take On The Redhawks
By Greg Nguyen
Courtesy: San Jose State Athletics
The San Jose State Spartans travel to Seattle to battle the Redhawks in a match up between two WAC rivals. The Spartans (9 – 11, 3 – 6 WAC) lost to Texas-Arlington 66 – 47 in San Jose, CA on January 26. The Redhawks (6 – 13, 1 – 8 WAC) were defeated by Texas State 86 – 83 in Seattle, WA on January 26.
The Spartans are led in the scoring column by James Kinney (20.6 points per game), although he has been suspended indefinitely. Chris Cunningham (10.6 ppg), DJ Brown (8.9 ppg), and LaVanne Pennington (6.9 ppg) are the Spartans’ other leading scorers. Cunningham controls the glass with 8.5 rebounds per game, followed by Alex Brown (5.4 rpg).
The Spartans score 65.3 ppg, shoot 39.5 percent from the field, 31.5 percent from 3-point distance, and 67.1 percent from the charity stripe.
The Redhawks are led by Clarence Trent (11.8 ppg), Deshaun Sunderhaus (10.6 ppg), and Chad Rasmussen (8.9 ppg). Sunderhaus (7.3 rpg), Trent (6.2 rpg), and Prince Obasi (5.2 rpg) lead the Pioneers in rebounding. Obasi and D’Vonne Pickett, Jr. are the primary playmakers with 4.8 and 3.4 assists per game, respectively.
Seattle averages 69.0 ppg, shoot 42.0 percent from the field, 32.9 percent behind the 3-point line, and 58.5 percent from the free throw line.
With Kinney out of the lineup, the Spartans have struggled to score. In is absence, others have stepped in and partially replaced Kinney’s output, including reserve Aalim Moor. But it hasn’t been enough to avoid five consecutive WAC losses. Due to their height inside, the Spartans have been to control the boards, and have been effective in limiting turnovers. But they will need to find more scoring production out of their starters and role players.
The Redhawks have a balanced scoring attack of five starters who average between 11.8 and 8.1 ppg. If the Redhawks can contain the Spartans’ Cunningham and Alex Brown in the rebounding department, the Redhawks should prevail.
Tip off is 7 pm Pacific time.