Last year’s road losses have USU wanting payback
The Aggies will be looking to avenge two close road losses from last season this week. They will take on the University of Utah Utes on Wednesday and the Northeastern University Huskies on Saturday.
Aggies vs. Utes
Keys to the game
1.The Aggies must improve their free-throw percentage: They were able to make 8-of-10 in the first half against the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds on Saturday, but sputtered in the second half as they only hit 7-of-12 shots for 58 percent. The Aggies did finish shooting at 68 percent, which is far better than the 57 percent they shot against the Brigham Young Cougars, but there is still room for improvement.
2.The Aggies will need big play from their big men: Aggie head coach Stew Morrill said the Cougars presented a huge problem with their size. If that was the case with the Cougars, the Aggies might be in trouble down low against the Utes if they don’t plan on battling all night. The Utes’ starting center, sophomore Jason Washburn, stands at 7’0″ and junior back-up center David Foster stands at 7’3″. The Aggies will need to play strong and have a nose for the ball if they don’t want to be dominated in post on both ends of the ball.
3.The Aggies had better not underestimate the Utes. Even though head coach Jim Boylen has lost some of his best players and best recruits, this is still and in-state battle and the Utes probably won’t go quietly.
X-factor: Junior forward Morgan Grim spent the first two years of his collegiate career as a Ute. He might be the most motivated Aggie to beat the Utes Wednesday night. He is familiar with the Ute’s system and he is familiar with the Ute’s big men, which should play a big role in Wednesday’s outcome.
Aggies vs. Huskies
What to watch for: The Aggies loss on the road to the Huskies last season came when the Aggies were still searching for their identity and the ability to win on the road. The Huskies are in the rebuilding stage, especially with the loss of Matt Janning, but the ever consistent Huskies tout another possible Colonial Athletic Conference Player of the Year in senior guard Chaisson Allen. Allen is averaging 16.7 points a game and will be a handful for the Aggies backcourt. As with the Utes on Wednesday, the Aggies better be in top form if they want the win over the Huskies.
– ty.d.hus@aggiemail.usu.edu