Utah State Wins Another Blowout

New Mexico struggled to keep up with Utah State on Wednesday night as the Aggies picked up a 77-45 victory. The first half was really what did New Mexico in, as they only put up 18 points compared to Utah State’s 41. Utah State would also outscore New Mexico in the second half 36-27.

Neemias Queta scored 18 points (9-10 shooting) and also had five defensive rebounds, an offensive rebound, an assist, a steal, five blocks, four turnovers, and three personal fouls. Marco Anthony had 15 points (6-11 shooting; 1-1 from three; 2-2 from the free throw line). He also registered four defensive rebounds, an offensive rebound, and three assists. Brock Miller scored six points (1-5 shooting; 1-5 from three; 3-3 from the free throw line). In addition he had an assist, two steals, a turnover, and two turnovers. Justin Bean scored five points on 2-5 shooting and also had an offensive rebound, four assists, three blocks, a turnover, and a personal foul. Rollie Worster posted two points (1-2 shooting) and had six rebounds (four defensive, two offensive), an assist, a steal, three turnovers, and two personal fouls.

On the bench, Alphonso Anderson had 14 points (4-7 shooting; 1-1 from three; 5-6 from the free throw line) and also had three defensive rebounds, two offensive rebounds, an assist, a block, a turnover, and two personal fouls. Sean Bairstow scored nine points (3-6 shooting; 1-3 from three; 2-2 from the free throw line) and had three defensive rebounds, an assist, and a steal.

As a team, Utah State shot 28-57 (49.1%) of field goals, 4-16 from three (25%), while New Mexico shot 15-56 (26.8%), 5-21 (23.8%) from three. The Aggies made 17-21 of three throws (81%) compared to the Lobos 10-14 (71.4%). The Aggies outrebounded New Mexico 41-29, had more assists, 16-5, more blocks, 10-5, less turnovers, 15-18, and less fouls, 12-17. Utah State and New Mexico had the same number of steals, seven.

This was another big performance by Utah State, especially in the first half, and the Aggies continue to roll through the Mountain West teams they have faced and continue to get better. They are still tied with Boise State for first place in the conference and will meet their first challenge in a series against San Diego State in their next series. Something that Utah State will need to keep watch for against the Aztecs is shooting percentage and turnovers. The turnover numbers are starting to creep up and that isn’t a good sign against a great defensive team. The shooting percentage will need to continue to be strong for Utah State if they are going to beat San Diego State. They will have one more chance at a tune up game against New Mexico on January 8th (11:00 PM EST; Fox Sports 1) before the big series against the Aztecs.