SAN JOSE, Calif.- Bucknell men’s water polo (11-13) ended its California expedition with another loss in a 22-13 defeat to #15 San Jose State (10-11) on Sunday. The Bison dropped their sixth straight game after the Spartans used a big fourth quarter to prevent a possible upset.
Bucknell enjoyed an early 2-1 lead before the Spartans ended the opening quarter on a 4-1 run.
SJSU threatened to run away with the contest in the second period before the Bison cut the deficit to 7-6. San Jose State coolly replied with two goals before halftime.
After halftime, San Jose State ran its lead to 11-6 but the Bison, tenacious as always, used a 4-0 run and stood within striking distance. Once again, SJSU kept calm and responded with a 3-0 run.
The Spartans put the matter to bed in the fourth quarter, scoring eight goals to destroy any chance of a late Orange & Blue rally. Bucknell dented the twine three times but never built a clutch stretch.
Bucknell concludes the regular season next Sunday in two crucial MAWPC matches at George Washington and Navy.