Utah State improves to 3-0 following win over union

Utah State improved to 3-0 on the season with a 73-49 victory over Union College in Logan on Friday. Every active player on the Aggie roster contributed to the win with at least one point and one assist.

The Aggies were led by junior forward Jalen Moore with 16 points and senior guard Chris Smith who recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

“Chris did a tremendous job on the defensive boards,” said Utah State head coach Tim Duryea. “I’m not worried about Chris Smith offensively. He’s a proven high-percentage producer on the offensive end.”

Sophomore forward Elston Jones scored a career-high 9 points and posted 9 rebounds.

“I’m just trying to provide more offense and energy,” said Jones. “Since I got my new role, I’m just trying to help the team. I’m getting more and more confident with more playing time so I know what to expect while I’m on the court.”

USU set the tone defensively in the first-half as Union missed 24 of their 30 field-goal attempts. Utah State entered halftime with a 38-14 lead.

Union College was the final Division II opponent of the season for USU.

“We’re headed for bigger and better things in a hurry,” added Duryea. “I think our guys our ready. We might have some line-up adjustments to make but that’s okay.”

The Aggies will face Utah Valley at home this Tuesday before traveling to Durham to play the Duke Blue Devils on Friday.

“We have a rough stretch coming up and we’re looking forward to it,” added Duryea.