Utah State Continues Winning Streak

The past two series have gone well for Utah State’s Men’s basketball team. They have now won four games into two series against San Jose State and Air Force and are currently on a six game winning streak. Utah State beat San Jose State by an average of 39 points in two games and beat Air Force by an average of 27 points.

In the second game against Air Force, Neemias Queta and Justin Bean scored 15 points on 7-10 shooting and 6-9 shooting (1-2 from three) respectively. Queta registered a team high 11 rebounds (seven defensive, four offensive), six assists, two steals, and four blocks. Bean had seven rebounds (four defensive, three defensive), an assist, and a steal. Brock Miller scored 13 points (5-13; 3-9 from three) and had a steal and three personal fouls. Rollie Worster scored 10 points (4-8; 2-4 from three) and also had three rebounds, three assists, a block, and seven turnovers. Marco Anthony posted nine points (4-6 shooting) and seven rebounds (six defensive, one offensive), four assists, two blocks, five turnovers, and three personal fouls.

Alphonso Anderson and Steven Ashworth both posted five points on 2-3 and 2-4 (1-3 from three) respectively. Anderson also had a defensive and offensive rebound, an assist, and a steal. Ashworth had an offensive rebound and a turnover.

As a team, Utah State shot 30-55 (54.5%) 7-19 from three (36.8%) and scored 33 points in the first half and 39 in the second. Air Force shot 19-47 (40.4%) 5-14 from three (35.7%) and scored 20 points in the first half and 33 in the second. Utah States assist numbers were down this game to 15 and the Aggies also committed 18 turnovers. The Falcons had eight assists and also committed 16 turnovers and 15 fouls.

This was another strong performance from Utah State. They were able to play good defense again. Air Force never led in this game and Utah State was able to get their lead up to 25 points. It is important to remember however that Air Force has struggled this year and a team such as San Diego State or Boise State would pose a much greater challenge. 18 turnovers for the Aggies is not a good and seven from one player is also not a good sign but outrebounding Air Force 38-21 is a positive statistic. This season, the Aggies have actually outrebounded all of their opponents. In order to improve going forward and to have a shot at winning against San Diego State and other teams that are at the top of the conference, that trend will need to continue for Utah State. With good defense and a better shooting percentage going forward, things are looking up for the Aggies after opening the season with two straight blowout losses.