Aggies bounce back better with win over Fresno State
With an attendance of 8,851 in the Spectrum, the Utah State University’s men’s basketball team (17-2, 5-1 MW) beat Fresno State (8-10, 1-4 MW) with a score of 83-62.
After a loss in New Mexico, the Aggies were ready for another shot on the court. Head coach Danny Sprinkle noted how important this win was for the team.
“This was a gut-check game for our guys,” Sprinkle said. “I was concerned cause I know how good Fresno is. I know how tough and physical they play. We got out-toughed and out-physical-ed in New Mexico…I thought our guys really answered the bell today.”
#1 Great Osobor celebrates making a 3-point shot at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Jan. 20.
The Fresno State Bulldogs started the game off with a layup from Eduardo Andre for the first points of the game, but the Aggies came back strong with Great Osobor making a layup, followed by a jumper from Ian Martinez and another layup from Mason Falslev to the screams of the HURD.
Osobor went seven for seven and scored 18 points in the first half, which is impressive, considering he hyperextended his knee in New Mexico — to the point where coaches weren’t sure how much he’d get to play in this game.
“Great kind of dominated the first half,” Sprinkle said. “It was a gutsy effort by him tonight. I appreciate it, I know his teammates do — him playing through some of that pain.”
Osobor drained a 3-pointer in the middle of the first half, which isn’t his go-to move on the court. However, Sprinkle has full faith that he can make those shots.
“I know he can make them, and he knows he can make them,” Sprinkle said. “He’ll add a completely different dimension to our offense once he really gets comfortable with those.”
Martinez made a 3-pointer and a free throw, whipping the HURD into a frenzy. He also had six assists and seven rebounds throughout the game.
“I was looking at the stat sheet, and I was surprised that I had seven rebounds, too,” Martinez said. “I was just trying to share the ball; got Great some buckets and got my other teammates some buckets as well. They, of course, helped me out by making those shots.”
At the half, the Aggies were leading with a score of 40-27.
At the beginning of the second period, the Aggies had a few turnovers, with Fresno State’s Isaiah Pope getting in a jumper and a layup.
Soon, the team was back in the swing of things, especially thanks to a jump shot and two free throws by Isaac Johnson.
The team switched to a zone defense after Fresno State switched to a zone-style offense. It took a second to get used to the switch, but Sprinkle said his team was able to execute well.
“We adjusted,” Sprinkle said. “The last 30 minutes, I thought we were tremendous. We came out more aggressive.”
Josh Uduje also made several shots, boosting morale and exciting the crowd.
With 6 minutes left on the clock, Javon Jackson got subbed in. He then stole the ball and made a layup and a free throw, which Sprinkle said put in the spark they needed.
As the HURD chanted its iconic “We want ice cream” chant at the 79-point mark, Falslev got injured with a bloody nose. Coaches subbed in Martinez.
Cheers erupted from the HURD as Karson Templin drained a jumper, and the Aggies once again won students free frozen custard from Culver’s. This has been the eighth time this season they have done so.
Sprinkle shared his gratitude for the HURD and all the support the team receives.
JACK LEWIS BURTON #10 Darius Brown II takes a 3-point shot at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Jan. 20.
“Not only do they affect our energy, but it affects the opponents,” Sprinkle said. “Couldn’t be more thankful for our fans and the HURD. I know Wild Bill was here today, so we appreciate him coming.”
Martinez also expressed gratitude for the energy of the HURD.
“The fans always come in, and they do their thing,” Martinez said. “It helps us when we get on runs, and we can get the other team out of their element.”
The team’s next game will be in Idaho against Boise State next Saturday. Some would think such a long break might throw off momentum, but Sprinkle doesn’t believe that’s the case.
“It’s awesome,” Sprinkle said. “There’s no nights off in this league, but you got to take advantage of it.”
He plans on keeping the team training, but he also thinks this break will be good for a recharge as they keep the season going.