Utah State Holds Off San Diego State 71-66

Utah State's strong performance, led by Karson Templin's 18 points and 7 rebounds, propelled the Aggies to a 71-66 win over San Diego State at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The Aztecs, fueled by Reese Dixon-Waters' 19 points, kept the game competitive, but Utah State's balanced attack ultimately proved too much to handle.

The first half saw both teams struggle to find their rhythm, with Utah State and San Diego State deadlocked at 34-34. However, the Aggies came out strong in the second half, with Templin and Adlan Elamin, who added 13 points and 8 rebounds, leading the charge. MJ Collins Jr. also chipped in with 12 points and 5 rebounds, helping Utah State outscore San Diego State 37-32 in the second half.

San Diego State, on the other hand, relied heavily on Dixon-Waters, who single-handedly kept his team in the game. Despite his efforts, the Aztecs' supporting cast struggled to find their footing, with Tae Simmons and BJ Davis managing only 9 and 8 points, respectively.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Utah State winning by 9.9 points, and although the actual margin was slightly narrower, the prediction ultimately proved correct. The Aggies' victory was a reflection of their depth and resilience, as they improved their record to 18-3.

This non-conference matchup had real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Utah State, the win marked a crucial Quad 2 victory, further solidifying their position as a top contender. San Diego State, on the other hand, suffered a Quad 1 loss, which may impact their seeding in the tournament. With a current Net ranking of 45, the Aztecs must regroup and refocus to stay in the hunt for a top spot.

As the season progresses, Utah State's victory over San Diego State will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to their resume. The Aggies' ability to close out games against tough opponents will be essential in their pursuit of a high tournament seed. With this win, Utah State continues to build momentum, while San Diego State want to bounce back from this setback and regain their footing in the competitive landscape of college basketball. The outcome of this game will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both teams' tournament chances, making it a crucial result in the grand scheme of the season.