Utah State University’s men’s basketball team lost to San Diego State 89-72 on Wednesday at Viejas Arena in San Diego. This result evens the regular season series between the two teams at 1-1 and leaves both tied at the top of the Mountain West Conference standings.
The Aggies faced their largest margin of defeat this season as San Diego State shot 55 percent from the field, marking the second-best shooting performance by a Utah State opponent during this campaign. Utah State led for most of the first eight minutes but then struggled to contain San Diego State’s offense, which made 10 of its next 14 shots and went on a decisive run to lead 46-33 at halftime.
San Diego State extended its advantage early in the second half with an 8-2 run, increasing its lead to 19 points. The Aztecs maintained strong shooting, hitting 61 percent from the floor after halftime. Utah State was also hampered by foul trouble, committing 25 fouls and sending San Diego State to the free throw line for a total of 33 attempts.
Senior guard MJ Collins Jr. led Utah State with 18 points on six-of-13 shooting. Junior guard Mason Falslev added 14 points along with five rebounds and two assists, while freshman forward Adlan Elamin contributed 12 points and collected a team-high six rebounds.
San Diego State out-rebounded Utah State by a margin of 38-30, including grabbing more defensive rebounds (26) than Utah State (18). The Aztecs also scored 14 second-chance points off their twelve offensive boards.
Overall, Utah State shot just over forty-one percent from the field and under thirty percent from three-point range. In comparison, San Diego State finished above fifty-four percent overall and nearly forty-four percent from beyond the arc.
Utah State will return home to face Grand Canyon on Saturday, February 28 at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The game is scheduled for an 8 p.m. Mountain Time tip-off and will be broadcast on FS1.
Season tickets for next year’s men’s basketball games have sold out; single-game tickets remain available for some contests online. Fans can join a waitlist for future season tickets through official channels.
Further information about Utah State men’s basketball can be found on social media platforms such as Facebook (@usumensbasketball), Twitter (@usubasketball), Instagram (@usubasketball), or by viewing highlights on YouTube (youtube.com/utahstateathletics).
