Dec. 3, 2008
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -John Bryant scored on a tip-in with 7.5 seconds remaining to help Santa Clara rally from six points down in the final six minutes to win at San Jose State, 59-56, on Wednesday night.
Bryant finished with 20 points and career-high 21 rebounds while helping the Broncos to their second straight win after a four-game losing streak. The Broncos' 6-foot-11-inch senior center recorded his fifth double-double of the season and the 29th of his career. His 21 rebounds and 20 points was the first 20-20 game for the Broncos since Ron Reis scored 20 points with 20 rebounds on Nov. 29, 1991.
San Jose's Tim Pierce, who led the Spartans with 18 points, missed a 3-point shot at the buzzer that would have tied the game.
The Broncos hit 10 of 14 free throws while SJSU shot 15 of 27 free throws. Santa Clara shot 43.4% for the game with SJSU shooting 31.1%. SCU blocked eight shots and pulled down 45 rebounds, while the Spartans blocked no shots and scored 35 rebounds.
"We are really excited about the win. It was a very difficult win on the road, especially after all travel we have been through in the last few days (it took five flying legs for Santa Clara to get back from Montana on Sunday/Monday due to bad weather)," said Bronco head coach Kerry Keating. "Winning two in a row in tough conditions on the road is big for a young team like we have. We need to do the little things that help you win close games, including rebounding and playing defense and we did those tonight. The six-game road trip for us has been a great learning experience."
Santa Clara took its second lead of the game in the first half at 1:04 on a jumper by Marc Trasolini, putting the Broncos up 25-23. They went to the lockerroom at the half up 27-25. In the first half SCU shot 42.3% to SJSUs own 28.1%.
Santa Clara went up by as many as eight in the second half (35-27 at 17:24) before the Spartans rallied back to take the lead at 47-46 at 8:40. They went up by as many as six at 5:47 before John Bryant hit a put-back at 5:24 and then Calvin Johnson sank a three-pointer to make it 52-51 Spartans at 4:07.
