Utah State's strong second-half performance propelled them to a 65-61 victory over Colorado State at Moby Arena. The Aggies, led by MJ Collins Jr.'s 20 points, overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to secure the win. Collins Jr. was instrumental in the comeback, scoring crucial baskets late to seal the deal for Utah State.
Colorado State's Kyle Jorgensen had a standout game, scoring 24 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Jorgensen's impressive performance kept the Rams in the game, but ultimately, it wasn't enough to overcome the Aggies' second-half surge. Josh Pascarelli and Rashaan Mbemba also contributed to the Rams' effort, scoring 13 and 10 points, respectively.
The game was closely contested throughout, with Colorado State taking a 35-25 lead into halftime. However, Utah State came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Rams 40-26 to take the lead and never look back. The Aggies' 40-point second half was a significant improvement over their first-half performance, and it ultimately made the difference in the game.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Utah State winning by 4.4 points, and the actual margin of 4 points was remarkably close. The prediction was accurate, as the Aggies' strong performance in the second half allowed them to pull away with the win.
The victory for Utah State, who improved to 16-3 on the season, marks a significant Quadrant 2 win for the Aggies. On the other hand, the loss for Colorado State, who fell to 12-8, was a valuable Quadrant 1 opportunity that slipped away. The Rams want to bounce back from this tough loss, while the Aggies will aim to build on their momentum.
This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Utah State's win strengthens their resume, particularly with the Quadrant 2 designation. The Aggies' ability to come from behind and secure a win on the road will be viewed favorably by the selection committee. For Colorado State, the loss is a missed opportunity to bolster their tournament credentials, but the fact that it was a Quadrant 1 game will still be taken into account. As the season progresses, both teams want to build on this result and make a strong case for tournament inclusion.