San José State Edges Air Force in Close Contest
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Clune Arena
San José State Spartans 86, Air Force Falcons 80, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won San José State Spartans vs Air Force Falcons?
San José State Spartans beat Air Force Falcons 86-80 at Clune Arena on February 24, 2026.
Who was favored in San José State Spartans vs Air Force Falcons?
San José State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -298 (about 75% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the San José State Spartans defeated the Air Force Falcons 86-80 at Clune Arena. This victory marks San José State's continued dominance over Air Force, extending their winning streak against them to four games in their last four meetings. The Falcons, struggling throughout the season, faced their tenth consecutive loss, leaving them with a dismal home record of 3-25 and an overall record of 3-25.
In terms of recent form, Air Force has been unable to secure a win in their last ten games, posting a record of 0-10. They have averaged 60.9 points per game while allowing an average of 87.9 points to their opponents during this stretch. In their last five games, their scoring has dipped slightly to an average of 63.6 points, while they have allowed an alarming 92.2 points per game. This trend reflects a significant defensive struggle for the Falcons, particularly at home where they have not won a game in their last five attempts.
On the other hand, San José State's recent performance has been slightly better, with a record of 1-9 over their last ten games. They have averaged 68.3 points per game and allowed 80.4 points during this period. Their last five outings have seen them average 73.4 points, with a slightly improved defensive effort, allowing 79.2 points per game. This win against Air Force comes after a previous victory against Nevada, showcasing a glimmer of hope for the Spartans amidst a challenging season that has left them with an overall record of 8-20.
When considering home versus away performance, Air Force has struggled significantly, with a home record of 0-5 in their last five games. San José State, while also facing difficulties, has managed to secure a win in their last home game against Nevada, which may have contributed to their confidence heading into this matchup.
Historically, the Spartans have had the upper hand against the Falcons, winning all three previous meetings in the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The latest encounter before this game saw San José State win 70-62 on January 14, 2026. This trend continued as they maintained their winning streak against Air Force, further establishing their dominance in this rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but it is clear that both teams have been struggling with consistency throughout the season, which may have impacted their performance. The market had priced San José State as 6.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, reflecting the expectation of a competitive game.
The conditions during the game were typical for a late February matchup in Colorado, with the atmosphere at Clune Arena likely charged as the Falcons sought to end their losing streak. Viewers were treated to a display of scoring plays that highlighted the offensive capabilities of both teams, particularly from San José State's Kam Sanders, who contributed significantly to the Spartans' scoring efforts.
As the game progressed, notable scoring plays included a 25-foot three-point jumper by Wesley Celichowski, which extended San José State's lead to 82-74 in the second half. The Spartans' ability to maintain their composure and execute crucial plays down the stretch ultimately secured their victory.
In summary, the Spartans’ win over the Falcons not only highlights their recent improvement but also underscores the ongoing struggles of Air Force, who continue to search for answers as they head deeper into the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SJSU -6.5 | 145.5 o -110 / u -110 | San José State Spartans -298 · Air Force Falcons +240 |
Leaders
- PointsLucas Hobin21Air Force Falcons
- AssistsA.J. Patterson6Air Force Falcons
- ReboundsEli Robinson8Air Force Falcons
- PointsAdrian Myers34San José State Spartans
- AssistsColby Garland5San José State Spartans
- ReboundsAdrian Myers7San José State Spartans
Recent form
Air Force Falcons
Last 10: 0-10Streak L1060.9 scored · 87.9 allowed per game0-5 at home
- L66-91vs UNLV RebelsFeb 21
- L61-98at New Mexico LobosFeb 18
- L63-93at Fresno State BulldogsFeb 14
- L74-91vs Colorado State RamsFeb 11
- L54-88vs San Diego State AztecsFeb 8
- L57-81at Grand Canyon LopesFeb 4
- L62-79vs Fresno State BulldogsJan 31
- L54-96at Boise State BroncosJan 24
- L52-81at Colorado State RamsJan 21
- L66-81vs Nevada Wolf PackJan 17
San José State Spartans
Last 10: 1-9Streak L168.3 scored · 80.4 allowed per game0-5 away
- L69-84at Boise State BroncosFeb 21
- W87-71vs Nevada Wolf PackFeb 18
- L79-94vs Grand Canyon LopesFeb 14
- L75-82at UNLV RebelsFeb 11
- L57-65at Colorado State RamsFeb 8
- L80-90vs New Mexico LobosFeb 1
- L58-89vs Boise State BroncosJan 28
- L62-66at Wyoming CowboysJan 24
- L54-87at Nevada Wolf PackJan 21
- L62-76vs UNLV RebelsJan 17
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 29-7 | - | 15-5 |
| San Diego State | 22-11 | 1 | 14-6 |
| New Mexico | 26-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Grand Canyon | 20-12 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Nevada | 24-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Boise State | 20-12 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Colorado State | 21-13 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UNLV | 18-17 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Wyoming | 18-15 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Fresno State | 13-19 | 8 | 7-13 |
| San José State | 9-24 | 12 | 3-17 |
| Air Force | 3-29 | 15 | 0-20 |
Box score
| Stat | San José State Spartans | Air Force Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-57 | 29-57 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 13-24 | 8-22 |
| Three-point % | 54 | 36 |
| Free throws | 17-19 | 14-22 |
| Free throw % | 89 | 64 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 22 |
| Assists | 11 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 42 |
| Fouls | 17 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 69 | 24 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-47Colby Garland makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half51-47Melvin Bell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-47Colby Garland makes 24-foot three point jumper (Adrian Myers assists)
- 2nd Half54-49Lucas Hobin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-49Marcus Overstreet makes layup
- 2nd Half56-50Caleb Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-50Marcus Overstreet makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-50Marcus Overstreet makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-52Riley Dering makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half58-53Riley Dering makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half58-55Ethan Greenberg makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-57Riley Dering makes 2-foot dunk (A.J. Patterson assists)
- 2nd Half59-57Colby Garland makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-57Adrian Myers makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jermaine Washington assists)
- 2nd Half62-59Caleb Walker makes layup (Ethan Greenberg assists)
- 2nd Half65-59Melvin Bell Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Colby Garland assists)
- 2nd Half66-59Colby Garland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-59Colby Garland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-60Lucas Hobin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-61Lucas Hobin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Kam Sanders makes layup
- 2nd Half70-63Adrian Myers makes 24-foot three point jumper (Colby Garland assists)
- 2nd Half73-63Adrian Myers makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jermaine Washington assists)
- 2nd Half73-65Eli Robinson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-65Adrian Myers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-65Adrian Myers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-65Jermaine Washington makes layup (Colby Garland assists)
- 2nd Half77-67Kam Sanders makes driving layup
- 2nd Half77-68Kam Sanders makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half79-68Colby Garland makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half79-71Ethan Greenberg makes 29-foot three point jumper (Kam Sanders assists)
- 2nd Half82-71Adrian Myers makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half82-74Wesley Celichowski makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kam Sanders assists)
- 2nd Half82-76Ethan Greenberg makes layup (Kam Sanders assists)
- 2nd Half84-76Adrian Myers makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half84-78Kam Sanders makes driving layup
- 2nd Half84-79Kam Sanders makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half84-80Kam Sanders makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half85-80Colby Garland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-80Colby Garland makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Air Force Falcons, below favours San José State Spartans.
Venue
- Clune ArenaColorado Springs, CO
- Attendance851
- OfficialsKevin Brill, Verne Harris, Randy Richardson
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