by Daniel Olsen
Utah State needed to respond after the blowout loss in Fort Collins to Colorado State, and that’s exactly what they did against a ranked San Diego State team in a 68-63 win in the Spectrum last week.
Turning Point
The Aggies took a 10 point lead with just under 11 minutes to go in the game. After winning the first half 31-26, it was the start the Aggies needed in the second half to keep the Aztecs at bay. Darius Brown made the three-point jumper that resulted in the double digit lead at the time. The second half still ended in a 37-37 tie, but the Aggies had built enough distance in between them to avoid a loss.
Aggie Analytics
The Aggies followed Coach Danny Sprinkle’s request to be more aggressive offensively. They increased to 36 fast break points which was 10 more than their lost last week. Their shooting from three or the free throw line wasn’t perfect, but they still did enough to win.
Great Osobor had 17 points and Darius Brown has 25 in this win. In games where Brown scores 15 or more points, the Aggies are an undefeated 7-0. They need a prolific backcourt to go deeper into the postseason March.
Defense Flips Script
Stopping Lamont Butler was a nasty job but Darius Brown was up to the task. Brown held Butler to zero points in a game that help the Aggies get over the loss.
No games in the Mountain West are easy and the Aggies, although facing Fresno on the road could prove tricky as the late season upsets have been piling up. This game will air on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 8 p.m.
Photos courtesy Joe Oliver
The Hive Sports 