clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Wyoming at Utah State preview: Pokes must beat Aggies in crucial road test

Wyoming must snap a 40-year losing streak in Logan to continues its quest for a Mountain West title.

Wyoming hasn't beaten Utah State in Logan since 1975.
Wyoming hasn't beaten Utah State in Logan since 1975.
Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

Wyoming hasn't beaten Utah State in Logan since 1975.

The Pokes must snap that road losing streak Tuesday night, if it wants to continue its quest for a Mountain West title. They currently sit in first place in the standings and are one game ahead of Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State.

Wyoming enters its matchup with the Aggies at 17-3 overall and 6-1 in conference. It's also enjoying a four-game winning streak in away games, including a win two weeks ago at rival Colorado State, and has recently won back-to-back games in overtime.

Beating Utah State isn't a sure thing for the Cowboys, who are receiving votes in both the AP and USA Today polls.

The 11-8 Aggies are tied with Boise State at 4-3 in conference and are two games behind first place. An upset win over Wyoming could create a four-way logjam in the standings and give Utah State a shot in the arm heading into February.

Wyoming forward Larry Nance Jr. continues to lead his team this season. He recently scored 23 points against New Mexico and has scored in double figures in nine consecutive games. He averages 16 points and seven rebounds per game and is sure to be the No. 1 player Utah State keys in on Tuesday.

On the other side of the floor, Utah State guard Jalen Moore is fifth in the conference in points scored and fourth in rebounds so far this year. He averages nearly 16 points and over seven rebounds per game. Moore, along with David Collette (13 points) and Chris Smith (11 points), gives the Aggies a balanced scoring attack that could give the Pokes' defense fits.

Wyoming leads Utah State 45-25 in the all-time series, but Utah State is 16-17 against the Pokes while playing at home. The home team has won the last four meetings between the two schools.