The San José State Spartans men’s basketball team will host the UC Riverside Highlanders on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose, California. San José State enters the game with a 1-1 record overall and 0-0 in Mountain West play, seeking to improve to 2-1 for the first time since the 2023-24 season. UC Riverside holds a 2-0 record as it begins Big West competition.
This game marks the first meeting between the Spartans and Highlanders since 2019. Historically, the series is tied 4-4, but San José State has lost four of the last five meetings dating back to 2009. The Spartans are playing nine of their 14 non-conference games at home this season.
San José State won its season opener against UTSA 95-74, with Joey Chammaa scoring a career-high 27 points and Mekhi Mason adding 26 points. The Spartans incorporated eight players from the transfer portal and five freshmen for the 2026-27 season, while returning Pasha Goodarzi and JaVaughn Hannah, who averaged 8.2 and 7.5 points per game last season.
UC Riverside, coached by Gus Argenal in his second year, finished last season 10-22 and was picked 11th in the Big West preseason poll. The Highlanders began the new season 2-0 with wins over La Verne and Denver. Argenal led the team to the second most wins by a first-year head coach in program history last season.
The game will be broadcast live on MW+, with audio coverage available on the SJSU Spartans Sports Media Network. As part of Hoops & Heroes night, tickets will be complimentary for military members and first responders.
CSB Take
This game is a notable early matchup that offers the San José State Spartans an opportunity to build momentum while integrating a largely new roster. Success on this home-court contest against a UC Riverside team off to a strong start could enhance team confidence and cohesion heading into Mountain West Conference play. The combination of impactful transfers and returning players will be key factors to watch in determining the Spartans’ trajectory this season.
Source: Original report
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