Spartans Battle Back but Fall at UC Irvine

IRVINE, Calif. - Joey Chammaa and Mookie Cook led the Spartans with 16 points apiece to lead the San José State men’s basketball team (1-1, 0-0 MW) in a 91-79 loss to UC Irvine (2-0, 0-0 Big West) Saturday night from Bren Events Center.

The Anteaters jumped out to a 13-0 lead and took a 51-31 advantage into halftime. San José State responded by outscoring UC Irvine 48-40 after the break and trimmed the deficit to eight in the final minute.

Chammaa knocked down four 3-pointers, while Cook added three triples. KJ Martin Jr. contributed 14 points, including four 3-pointers, and JaVaughn Hannah finished with 11 points, five assists and three steals.

San José State shot 45.3 percent from the field…