Men’s hoops grabs fourth consecutive win in Fresno
The Utah State University men’s basketball team improved its record to 21-7 on Saturday night with a win over Fresno State.
But it wasn’t easy.
Fresno State went on several runs to pull up within a point or two of the Aggies multiple times throughout the game.
In the first half, Utah State had a comfortable double-digit lead of 21-8. But in the seven minutes which followed, the Bulldogs outscored the Aggies 15-5, coming within three points of USU with less than 1:30 left in the half.
A layup by sophomore center Neemias Queta and a three pointer by guard Sam Merrill increased Utah State’s lead to 31-23 at the half.
But even in the second half, Fresno State wouldn’t go away. The Bulldogs came within three or less points of Utah State three more times before the Aggies were able to pull away one final time to secure a 71-59 victory.
Freshman guard Sean Bairstow assisted in Utah State’s final run with two back-to-back dunks.
Merrill led the team with 24 points and four assists. The senior has now scored 20 or more points in 13 games this season. After Saturday night’s game, Merrill sits at 2,052 career points, just nine away from the fourth-most in the history of the Mountain West conference.
Sophomore forward Justin Bean and senior guard Diogo Brito also scored in double digits, recording 15 and 10 points respectively. Bean also recorded 11 rebounds, making the contest his thirteenth double-double of the season.
The match up against Fresno State was a bit quieter than usual for Queta, who only put up five points. Previously, the center was averaging 66 percent on field goals, but against Fresno he went 2-6. And while there was a sort of back-and-forth offensive rhythm during the game, Utah State was able to dominate the boards. The Aggies out-rebounded Fresno 44-29 in total and 13-6 on offensive boards.
Utah State also shot 44.1 percent on field goals and 40.9 percent on three-pointers. By comparison, Fresno State shot 37.7 percent on field goals and 36.4 percent from three.
The victory gives Utah State a 10-5 conference record, meaning, if Boise State loses to San Diego State on Sunday, the Aggies would be the lone second place team in the Mountain West.
Up Next:
Utah State will take on Wyoming on Wednesday in the Spectrum. Last time the teams met, the Aggies won 68-45. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Twitter: @SydChap