Aggies Fall Short in Conference Opener: UNLV Edges Out No. 22 Squad 65-62

LAS VEGAS – No. 22 Utah State men’s basketball (16-2, 6-1 MW) witnessed a six-game winning streak come to a halt, losing its inaugural match in Mountain West competition on Wednesday evening in Las Vegas as the Aggies succumbed to UNLV 65-62 at the Thomas & Mack Center. Despite the defeat, USU maintains its position at the top of the MW standings with a record of 6-1 as it approaches its first bye week of league play.

Although recording its second-lowest scoring performance of the season, Utah State remained in contention until the closing moments, but a potential game-tying 3-point attempt at the buzzer fell short, bouncing off the back of the rim.

The Aggies showcased a commendable defensive display, restricting UNLV to merely 40.7 percent (24-of-59) shooting from the field and 24.0 percent (6-of-25) from beyond the arc, yet permitted 36 points in the paint.

Both teams started slowly, with neither able to lead by more than two possessions at any point during the first half, exchanging control six times. The initial 20 minutes concluded with UNLV holding a 32-30 lead as they headed to the locker room.

Throughout the first 12 minutes of the second half, the Aggies were forced to play catch-up, but they never allowed the Rebels to increase their lead beyond five points. A 6-0 run propelled USU back into the lead with 7:49 remaining. This run extended to 15-3, transforming a five-point deficit for Utah State into a seven-point advantage, marking their largest lead of the evening.

From then on, USU managed to convert only one of their final 10 shots while the Rebels heated up, sinking five of their last seven attempts in the closing five minutes of play. Free throw accuracy haunted USU throughout the contest, as the Aggies converted just 53.3 percent (8-of-15) of their charity stripe attempts.

The Aggies were spearheaded in scoring by sophomore wing Tucker Anderson, who recorded a season-high 19 points while shooting 6-of-12 from the field and 4-of-8 from 3-point range. Anderson also added five rebounds and two assists.

Other notable performances for USU included a 15-point effort from fifth-year guard Ian Martinez and an eight-point, ten-rebound, four-assist outing from sophomore forward Karson Templin. Sophomore guard Mason Falslev concluded the game with eight points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

Utah State finished the encounter with a shooting percentage of 41.5 percent (22-of-53) from the floor, 38.5 percent (10-of-26) from 3-point territory, and 53.3 percent (8-of-15) from the free throw line. UNLV’s shooting stats were 40.7 percent (24-of-59) from the floor, including 24.0 percent (6-of-25) from 3-point land and 64.7 percent (11-of-17) from the free throw line.

UP NEXT
Utah State will take the weekend off before returning to the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum next week to host Nevada on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. on FS1.

SEASON TICKETS
A limited quantity of tickets is available for all upcoming home games. To purchase, visit utahstateaggies.com/tickets.

FOLLOW
For additional information regarding Utah State’s men’s basketball program, follow the Aggies on Facebook at usumensbasketball, on Twitter at @usubasketball, and on Instagram at @usubasketball. Fans can also view USU men’s basketball highlights by going to youtube.com/utahstateathletics.

– USU –