Santa Clara pulls it out 67-63

Santa Clara Coach Kerry Keating inserted different players into his usual starting lineup and the move initially worked. But San Jose State took back the lead, courtesy in part to Bronco ballhandling generosity. It eventually became a battle back and forth until Keating's squad hit late shots and nabbed a 67-63 win at Walt McPherson Court.

Adrian Oliver led all with 26 points but didn't shoot well. Kevin Foster led the Broncos with 25 points, after scoring six in the first half. Justin Graham totaled 16 points and nabbed six steals.

SJSU shot 33% overall on the game, 2-12 from three-point range. SC shot 39%, 7-18 on treys.

A Keith Shamburger deuce put San Jose up 33-26 early in the second half but Santa Clara kept at it. The Spartans were strong early in half two but the momentum stalled and the Broncos, to their credit, took advantage.

It was 51-50 with SJSU leading when a Matt Ballard and1 three-point play boosted the margin to 54-50. Later, a Graham steal and feed to Shamburger led to a layup and a 58-55 Spartan margin.

But with 1:44 on the clock, Foster hit a driving layup to put his team ahead 59-58.

Oliver then missed a tough jumper but SC's Evan Roquemore came down and he also misfired.

Oliver was subsequently fouled, missed the first but made the second to tie the game at 59.

Then came THE BIG (SANTA CLARA) PLAY.

Coming off two screens, Foster nailed a trey with 26.1 seconds showing.

Then came THE BIG (SAN JOSE STATE) PLAY.

Oliver attempted a shot which was blocked by Roquemore, who recovered the ball and was fouled. Did a foul occur on the attempt? Not according to those who count, the referees.

Roquemore was then fouled, nailed a pair of free throws to put Santa Clara ahead by five and decide the outcome.

Graham was fouled, missed his first free throw (back rim), intentionally missed the second and Wil Carter grabbed the rebound but was errant with his shot attempt.

After 20 minutes, San Jose State led 27-26. Oliver had 16, Graham 10 and Ballard his free throw to achieve the total.

With 11:47 remaining, the Broncos were ahead 12-8. The Spartans were successful of just four of 15 shots at that point.

It was 22-21 in Santa Clara's favor when Ballard hit a free throw to tie the game. Oliver's jumper gave the Spartans a 24-22 lead. Broncos turnovers, forced and unforced, led to the first half lead loss.