Utah State Wins Game One Against the Rams

After two massive victories over San Diego State (57-45; 64-59), the Aggies were able to pull off a convincing win over Colorado State in a 83-64 game. Utah State scored 44 points in the first half and 39 in the second while holding Colorado State to 29 in the first and 35 in the second in front of 1,553 fans (15% capacity).

Junior guard Brock Miller scored 20 points (6-13 shooting; 46.2%), and was 6-10 on three pointers (60%) in addition to being 2-2 on free throws. Miller grabbed four rebounds (two defensive, two offensive), an assist, a turnover, and four fouls. Junior center Neemias Queta put up 18 points (6-8; 75%), and was 6-9 on free throws (66.6%). He also had 12 rebounds (eight defensive, four offensive), two assists, a steal, three blocks, three turnovers, and two fouls. Junior forward Justin Bean, freshman guard Rollie Worster, and junior guard Marco Anthony have all scored eight points on 4-6 shooting (66.6%), 2-6 shooting (33.3%; 4-6 on free throws) and 2-8 shooting (25%; 4-5 on free throws). Bean had seven rebounds (five defensive, two offensive) and an assist. Worster had two rebounds, nine assists, a steal, three turnovers, and two personal fouls. Anthony had three rebounds (two defensive; one offensive), three assists, a steal, a block, two turnovers, and two personal fouls. Senior forward Alphonso Anderson put up 12 points on 4-8 shooting (50%), 2-3 from three (66.6%), and 2-2 on free throws. He also put up three rebounds, two assists, a turnover, and a personal foul. Freshman guard Steven Ashworth posted five points on 1-5 shooting (20%), and was 1-3 on three pointers (33.3%). He also had five rebounds, four assists, a steal, and two personal fouls.

Utah State shot 26-57 (45.6%), 10-19 from three (52.6%), while Colorado State shot 21-52 (40.4%), 9-27 from three (33.3%). The Aggies were 21-28 on free throws (75%) while the Rams were 13-18 (72.2%). Utah State outrebounded Colorado State 44-25 and also had more assists, a 20-16 advantage. Utah State had seven steals and three blocks and Colorado State had five steals and three blocks. Utah State had 14 turnovers, one less than Colorado State who had 15, and the Aggies also had 17 fouls compared to Colorado State’s 21.

The largest lead for the Rams in this game was 2 while the largest lead for the Aggies was 26. Utah State has looked really good in conference play and is coming off a sweep of San Diego State. Colorado State is a good team this year, third in the Mountain West, so a 19 point victory is a big deal. The Aggies still have another game against Colorado State before they have a series against UNLV. A series against Boise State starting on February 17th looms large and will be a significant determining factor in who wins the regular season Mountain West title. If Utah State was to sweep Boise State or vice versa, that would certainly help the resume of the winner. There is still a ways to go until Selection Sunday but Utah State is in great position.