Aggie men run Rebels out of Spectrum
LOGAN – Utah State entered Saturday’s matchup on a four-game win streak looking to continue to climb up the Mountain West standings. They met the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels who were touting a two-game win streak of their own. One of those wins came on the road at Colorado State where UNLV star Bryce Hamilton had 45 points.
Only one team could leave with the winning streak still intact, and tonight was the Aggies night. Senior forward Justin Bean put up 32 points and 10 rebounds to lead USU to a 90 to 75 Win.
“Bean was unbelievable tonight,” guard Sean Bairstow said. “He hit five threes, and that’s just a backbreaker for someone who will kill you down low as well.”
Bean went 5 for 7 from beyond the 3-point line and hit them at pivotal points throughout the game.
Utah State and UNLV both got out to slow starts in conference play and have since heated up. As a result, both teams were hungry in search of a much-needed win. Their combined attitude reflected in the physicality on the court.
In a game where Utah State was called for 19 fouls and UNLV totaled 21, there was no shortage of whistle stoppages. The teams traded baskets throughout the first half. With 1:30 remaining in the half the Aggies held a 37-32 lead that was erased into a one-point deficit by back-to-back Rebel threes. USU managed to lead 40-38 into halftime after Brandon Horvath knocked down a buzzer-beating triple.
Utah State jumped out to a quick second-half start going on a 7-0 run. UNLV responded and the teams continued alternating scoring. The tide was turned midway through the second half when the Rebels substituted out Hamilton – who had 33 points on the night – with 11:25 remaining.
The Aggies proceeded to go on a 9-0 run before Hamilton re-entered. By that point, the damage had been done and USU reeled off 16 points unanswered before UNLV got a basket. The Aggie lead didn’t fall below 13 the rest of the game on their way to their fifth straight victory.
90 points are tied for the highest point total the Aggies have scored in conference play and the highest total in regulation. A big part of their prolific scoring night, and their five-game win streak, has been the quick pace they have been playing with.
“Certainly, that’s been a focus for us,” head coach Ryan Odom said. “I want them to play free and open in the open court while being mindful of ‘let’s get them in a scramble as quickly as we can’. I think our guys did a nice job of that tonight.”
Odom credited a lot of their newfound pace to the development of their bench players. The Aggies have found gems in Steven Ashworth and Sean Bairstow, who are now filling a starting role after starting the year coming off the bench. Beyond the starters, USU is seeing increased minutes and production from bench players such as Max Shulga and Trevin Dorius, as well as Rylan Jones making an impact in his role off the bench. Utah State will have to have this production continue if they are to keep winning and bolster postseason hopes.
The Aggies will travel to Laramie, Wyoming Tuesday night to face a hot Wyoming team. The Cowboys bested the Aggies 69-71 in their previous matchup this season.