Utah State Falls in Big Game Against Boise State

Utah State and Boise State battled it out on Wednesday night in a back and forth game, where the Broncos would pull away to a 79-70 win. Utah State led Boise State 39-37 at the end of the first half but was outscored by the Broncos 42-31 in the second half.

Neemias Queta was the leading scorer for the Aggies, putting up a big 32 points on 12-21 shooting (57.1%) and had six rebounds (four defensive, two offensive) two assists, a steal, a turnover, and four personal fouls. Marco Anthony scored 11 points on 5-11 shooting, 1-2 from the free throw line, and also posted three rebounds (one defensive, two offensive), three assists, four steals, three turnovers, and a personal foul. Justin Bean put up 10 points on 5-9 shooting (55.5%) and six rebounds (four defensive, two offensive), two assists, a steal, a turnover, and four personal fouls. Steven Ashworth scored three points on 1-5 shooting (20%), 1-3 from the three point line (33.3%), and had three rebounds, six assists, two turnovers, and three personal fouls. Brock Miller put up two points on 1-6 shooting (16.6%), and also had two rebounds, two assists, a turnover, and three personal fouls.

Off the bench, Alphonso Anderson had seven points on 3-5 shooting (60%), 1-3 from three (33.3%) and also had six rebounds (five defensive, one offensive), a turnover, and three personal fouls. Sean Bairstow had five points on 2-5 shooting (40%), 1-1 from three, in addition to three defensive rebounds, an assist, a steal, a block, a turnover, and a personal foul.

Overall, Utah State shot 29-63 (46%) compared to Boise State’s 28-63 (44.4%). Utah State was 3-16 from three (18.8%) while Boise State was 8-23 (34.8%). Utah State was 9-13 from the free throw line (69.2%) and Boise State was 15-17 (88.2%). Once again, Utah State outrebounded their opponent with a 37-32 advantage. Utah State had 14 assists, six steals, three blocks, 13 turnovers, and 20 fouls. Boise State had 13 assists, four steals, one block, 10 turnovers, and eighteen fouls.

The largest lead of the game for Utah State was four while Boise State’s largest lead was nine. The ultimate reason Utah State lost this game late was because they were unable to hit their shots from three, making only three. The Aggies shot a little over 50% in the first half but finished the game at 46%. Both teams played good defense but Boise State was able to figure out just enough offensively to make a difference. It is a tough loss for Utah State as a sweep would have certainly helped the Aggie’s tournament chances, but they will have another chance on Friday night to take down the Broncos. If this were to happen, Utah State would tie with Boise State for first place. Currently they a game behind due to the loss to the Broncos. Utah State will need to figure out more consistency on offense in what looks to be another close game.