Aggies survive Spartan Shootout, win 85-78

SAN JOSE, CA – Utah State men’s basketball stayed undefeated in conference play after picking up a seven-point win over San Jose State. The Spartans shot the lights out throughout the game, but in the end, the Aggies were too much for the home team.

“It was pretty much a big challenge. First of all, I just want to tip my hat to them. They came out and played a great basketball game,” said guard Deyton Albury. Albury had 13 points for Utah State, one of five Aggies to score double digits on the night.

Both teams jumped out to a hot start shooting, each hitting on four of their first five three-point attempts. The Spartans kept pace with the Aggies through the first eight minutes, trailing by just one point with 12 minutes remaining in the first half. Utah State took control of the game at that point, going on a 10-0 to jump out to a 31-20 lead.

San Jose State battled through the first half even after the USU run, pulling within three late in the half. Seven straight points from Mason Falslev extended the lead back out to 10 for the Aggies. The half ended with Utah State up by nine, 45-36.

“Nobody panicked at halftime. I think we all thought we could have played better. It got to two or three. Nobody panicked, coaches included, and we got it done together,” said head coach Jerrod Calhoun. “And that’s what this group has done all season so far.”

The Spartans relied heavily on the three-point shot in the first half to keep the scoring close. They attempted 16 threes in the first half, connecting on seven of them. When they closed the gap on the Aggies, it was four made baskets in a row, three of them from beyond the arc, that made it possible.

San Jose State came out of the break ready for more and was able to keep it close throughout the half. While the Aggies never trailed in the second half, they never led by more than nine. The Spartans were even able to tie the game at 69 with just over six minutes left in the game.

Utah State responded accordingly after being tied, going on a 7-0 run to take back the lead. San Jose State was able to keep it close by again relying on the deep shot. The Spartans were on fire to start the second half, making seven of their first nine three-point attempts in the last period. The Aggies were able to keep them at bay just enough that, when they cooled, USU could pull away.

“Obviously, they’ve got some firepower. You know, I thought they shot the ball as good as any team we’ve played,” said Calhoun. “I thought our effort actually was pretty good. They just made really, really good shots … if you’re 15 and one or not, you’re going to get everybody’s best shot. And I thought certainly tonight we did.”

With Tuesday’s win, Utah State moves to 15-1 on the season and 5-0 in conference play. The Aggies come back home for a showdown with the Boise State Broncos on Saturday night in the Spectrum.