Utah State asserted its dominance over Boise State from the opening tip, cruising to a 93-68 victory at ExtraMile Arena. MJ Collins Jr. stole the show, pouring in 25 points to lead the Aggies to their 16th win of the season. The junior guard's impressive performance was on full display, as he consistently found ways to score and create for his teammates.
The Aggies set the tone early, racing out to a 46-23 halftime lead behind Collins' 13 first-half points. Boise State's Dylan Andrews tried to keep his team within striking distance, scoring 10 of his 16 points in the first half, but Utah State's balanced attack proved too much to handle. The Aggies' Mason Falslev and Drake Allen chipped in with 16 and 14 points, respectively, as the team shot a scorching 52% from the field.
Boise State attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, but Utah State's lead never dipped below 20 points. The Broncos' Dominic Parolin and Pearson Carmichael joined Andrews in double figures, scoring 12 points apiece, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by the Aggies' onslaught. Utah State's 47 second-half points ensured that the game was never in doubt, as the team improved to 16-3 on the season.
The win marked a significant Quad 1 victory for Utah State, which should only strengthen its NCAA Tournament resume. With a current Net ranking of 26, the Aggies are firmly in the conversation for a top seed in the Big Dance. Meanwhile, Boise State's loss drops the Broncos to 12-8, but the team's Quad 1 opportunity will still be a valuable addition to its tournament profile.
Utah State's performance was a reflection of its depth and talent, as the team's starters and bench players alike made significant contributions. Collins' 25 points were a game-high, and his ability to score from both inside and outside the arc made him nearly unguardable. As the Aggies continue to roll through their schedule, they will be a team to watch in the coming weeks.
The convincing win over Boise State is a major boost to Utah State's tournament chances, as the team's strong Net ranking and impressive performance on the road will undoubtedly catch the attention of the selection committee. With several more Quad 1 opportunities on the horizon, the Aggies are well-positioned to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. For now, they will savor their dominant win over the Broncos, a performance that showed their skill and depth.