Rahe’s homecoming less than warm
Former Utah State assistant coach Randy Rahe sat opposite Stew Morrill Saturday for the first time in more than a decade and watched his former players and system run amuck all over his new team.
“It was a little different,” Rahe said. “It’s a tough situation.”
Both this year’s team and the atmosphere of the Spectrum were praised by Rahe.
“Those kids are an extremely-unselfish-together team,” Rahe said. “They beat us in every phase of the game and they deserve every credit for that.”
Rahe had coached most of the team, the only major exceptions being Jaycee Carroll and David Pak. If there were any surprises it would have to be the 18-point performance by Carroll, Rahe said.
The crowd gave momentum to the Aggies throughout the game, which wasn’t a surprise to Rahe.
“They’re as good a crowd as you can have,” Rahe said. “They really energize that team.”
Rahe said he is concentrated on his new job and the adjustments the Utes are making with their new coach and system.
Even though he said he was disappointed with the loss he left a message for the Aggie fans.
“I saw it firsthand for six years,” Rahe said. “They’re outstanding, I love them all. God bless them for being like that and loving the Aggies.”
GAME NOTES
Forwards Nate Harris and Spencer Nelson combined for 41 points, six assists, three blocks and two steals, while Utah center Andrew Bogut was held three points below his scoring average of 18.
Throughout the game the Aggies showed different defenses playing both zone and man-to-man. After Bogut came out hot in the second half, Morrill said his team went into what they call “monster” defense – effectively slowing the Australian Olympian down.
With all the work that went into keeping Bogut out of the low post, no Utah State post player finished with more than two fouls. Utah meanwhile had three big men in foul trouble. Bogut and Chris Jackson had three fouls apiece, while Justin Hawkins had four fouls.
-krn@cc.usu.edu