San Jose State Captures Mountain West Tournament Opener with Strong Message

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The San Jose State Spartans kicked off the 2025 Mountain West Tournament Wednesday morning at the Thomas & Mack Center, wearing bold messages on their uniforms: “Doubt Us.” This mantra epitomizes the team’s determination and confidence heading into the competitive postseason.

Coach Tim Miles stated the significance of the message during the pre-game press conference: “We know there are doubters, but we are here to prove everyone wrong. We have prepared diligently and are ready for any challenge that comes our way.” The Spartans, who finished the regular season with a solid record, aim to push through the challenge of the tournament and secure a place in the upcoming NCAA championships.

In their opening matchup, the Spartans faced off against the UNM Lobos, a team with a strong home-court advantage. The Lobos, led by coach Richard Pitino, had a solid season and entered the tournament with high expectations after finishing in the top tier of the Mountain West standings.

The spotlight was on standout players Filip Borovicanin from UNM, who has been pivotal for their offense, and San Jose State’s Robert Vaihola and Will McClendon, who were equally crucial in their team strategy.

As tip-off approached, tension filled the arena. The Spartans took the court with energy and a focused mindset. Their banner, emblazoned with the phrase “Doubt Us,” set the tone for the game. The player’s attitude and commitment to the mantra played a significant role in their motivation.

The first half saw a fierce back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging baskets. The Lobos made aggressive plays, but the Spartans responded resiliently, fueled by their underdog mentality. The score remained tight as both defenses held strong, emphasizing the stakes of the tournament.

By halftime, the Spartans maintained a narrow lead, prompting Coach Miles to remind his players during the break of the importance of serving as role models for resilience. “Stay focused, trust your instincts, and keep pushing. This isn’t just a game—it’s a testament to how hard you’ve worked this season,” he urged.

As the second half commenced, the Lobos ramped up their offensive pressure, making it clear they would not relinquish control of the game easily. However, San Jose State’s players stepped up under pressure. Vaihola’s impressive defense and McClendon’s strategic plays helped maintain their lead.

Ultimately, San Jose State emerged victorious, a win that not only advanced them in the tournament but also served as a strong counter to any doubts cast their way throughout the season. The Spartans’ fervent attitude, encapsulated by their message, resonated with fans and set the stage for their future games.

After the game, Coach Miles expressed pride in his team’s performance: “This is just the beginning. We wanted to come in here and make a statement, and I think we did just that. We’re ready to take this momentum into the next round of the tournament.” The Spartans’ confidence surged as they set their sights on their next opponent, aiming to continue their march through the tournament.