Upcoming game:    University of San Francisco, Monday, December 22, 2008, Walt McPherson Court, San Jose, Calif., 7:00 p.m. (PST)

San Jose State record: 4-3. The Spartans have their first two-game winning streak of the season after defeating Northern Colorado (89-78) on December 20 and the University of San Diego (56-52) on December 8.

USF record: 7-4. The Dons have won two of their last three games including a December 13 win at Boise State (79-76).

Radio Coverage: KSJS (90.5 FM, San Jose) and KLIV (1590 AM, San Jose) originate San Jose State University basketball broadcasts. Mike Chisholm calls the play-by-play. Air time is  6:30 p.m. for the USF game on KSJS FM. Games also are available on a subscription basis on www.sjsuspartans.com and Yahoo!Broadcast.

San Jose State-USF series: The Dons lead the series, 40-18. The two teams are meeting for the first time since November 25, 1997 when USF posted a 84-52 win at Memorial Gym on the USF campus. The Spartans’ last win in the series was a 65-53 decision on December 11, 1996 at The Event Center. San Jose State has won four of the last five meetings between these teams dating back to the 1985-86 season. The Spartans and the Dons faced each other at least twice a season from the 1950 through 1969 seasons.

Seeking Three Wins in a Row: San Jose State is chasing its first three game winning streak of the season when it hosts USF. The last time the Spartans won three in a row was last season when the team beat Presbyterian and posted back-to-back overtime wins at 2008 Big Sky Conference champion Portland State and home against South Dakota State.

Possibly Two Games Above .500: If San Jose State defeats USF, the Spartans can be two wins above the .500 mark eight games into a season for the first time since the 2004 season when that team was 5-3.

Third of four West Coast Conference opponents: The USF game is the third of four West Coast Conference opponents on the San Jose State schedule. Later in December, the Spartans play at Saint Mary’s in the Shamrock Office Solutions Classic in Moraga, Calif., on December 27. The last time San Jose State played four West Coast Conference teams in a season was 1998-99. 

A best in the WAC: San Jose State’s 89-78 win over Northern Colorado on December 20, arguably, was the best offensive effort by a Western Athletic Conference team this season. The Spartans shot 66.7 percent from the field and 64.3 percent from three-point range - both conference bests this season. Also, San Jose State converted 92.3 percent of its free throw tries. For the game, San Jose State made 71.8 percent of its total shot attempts (34-of-51 field goals, 12-of-13 free throws).

Best one-game field goal shooting in years: San Jose State’s 66.7 percent field goal shooting in the Northern Colorado win marked the first time since a January 30, 1999 victory over San Diego State that the Spartans shot at least 60 percent from the field in a game (62.3 percent) and was the best by the team since a November 26, 1993 triumph over Gonzaga (65.4 percent) in the Stanford Invitational.

Most single-game assists in three years: San Jose State was credited with 23 assists in the Northern Colorado win. The last time the Spartans had as many assists in a game was in a 90-85 win over Rice on January 29, 2005 when the team was credited with 24 assists.

Much-improved free throw shooting: San Jose State seems to have found its range at the free throw line. Since the second half of the win at San Diego on December 8, the Spartans have made 18-of-19 attempts including 17 in a row. The team is shooting a season-best 63.9 percent from the free throw line.

Pierce a record-setter: Forward Tim Pierce became the new San Jose State career record holder for 3-points baskets made. He broke the old record of 123 set by Michael Quinney. Pierce’s next 3-point field goal attempt will vault him into first on the Spartans’ career list for 3-point field goals attempted with 375. He is currently tied with Tito Addison, current Gavilan College men’s basketball head coach, who took his 3-point tries during the 1995 through 1997 seasons.

Three above 50.0 percent: For the first time this season, three San Jose State starters are shooting at least 50 percent from the field. Adrian Oliver is at 61.1 percent followed by Chris Oakes (56.4 percent) and Tim Pierce (50.6 percent). Pierce’s figure is the first time he has been over the 50.0 percent plateau during his Spartan career.

Click on the link above for game notes, team rosters and current statistics.