Utah State Takes Down Fresno State

Utah State continued to impress in Mountain West play against Fresno State in a 69-53 victory over Fresno State. Utah State outscored Fresno State in both halves, 33-29 in the first half and 36-24 in the second half.

Neemias Queta was the leading scorer for the Aggies, shooting 5-9 (55.5%) and 4-5 from the free throw line (80%). He had five rebounds (four defensive, one offensive), an assist, five blocks, two turnovers, and two fouls. Brock Miller put up eight points on 4-7 shooting (57.1%) and also had two rebounds, two assists, a steal, and two personal fouls. Marco Anthony scored seven points on 2-10 shooting (20%), 1-4 from three (25%), and 2-3 from the free throw line (66.6%). Justin Bean produced five points on 2-4 shooting (50%), 1-1 from three, and also posted five rebounds (four defensive, one offensive) and two assits. Rollie Worster had three points on 1-4 shooting (25%), 1-1 from the free throw line, and also put up three rebounds (two defensive, one offensive), two assists, and two personal fouls.

Off the bench, Alphonso Anderson scored 13 points on 5-9 shooting (66.6%), 2-3 shooting (66.6%), and 1-1 from the free throw line. He had four rebounds (three defensive, one offensive), a steal, a turnover, and a personal foul. Steven Ashworth scored 10 points 4-6 shooting (66.6%), 2-4 from three (50%). Trevin Dorius posted nine points on 3-3 shooting, 3-5 from the free throw line (60%), and five rebounds (two defensive, three offensive), an assist, two steals, two blocks, a turnover, and three personal fouls.

Utah State shot 26-52 (50%), was 6-14 from three (42.9%), and 11-15 from the free throw line (73.3%). Fresno State shot 20-54 (37%), was 4-19 from three (21.1%), and 9-13 from the free throw line (69.2%). Fresno State almost outrebounded Utah State but the Aggies were able to hold a 32-31 advantage. Utah State had more assists, 17-11, steals, 8-6, blocks, 7-3, and had one more turnover than Fresno State, 12-11, but less fouls, 14-16.

The largest lead in the game for the Aggies was 20 and overall, Utah State played like they had been playing on their win streak, especially during a sweep of San Diego State. They currently sit at 14-5 (11-2) and stand alone at first place in the conference, a half game ahead of Boise State. March draws near and it will be significantly important for Utah State to win one of the two at Boise State, or even sweep the Broncos, to continue to build their resume. If Utah State can keep consistent shooting percentages and continue to play good defense, they are going to be a tough team to beat in the Mountain West. Should they continue to win, they should have a seed in the tournament, not just the first four, but within the field. There is a long ways to go but Utah State is in good position.