Utah State delivered a resounding 86-66 win over New Mexico at The Pit, a result that far exceeded the pre-game prediction. CHD Scout had forecasted a narrow 76-74 victory for New Mexico, but the Aggies had other plans. Mason Falslev led the charge with 19 points, as Utah State's offense clicked into high gear, particularly in the second half.
The first half saw Utah State take a modest 36-33 lead into the break, with Tomislav Buljan pacing New Mexico with 10 points. However, the Aggies exploded out of the gates in the second half, outscoring the Lobos 50-33 to turn a close game into a rout. Falslev's 19 points were complemented by strong performances from MJ Collins Jr. and Karson Templin, who added 14 and 12 points, respectively. Templin also chipped in with 5 rebounds, as Utah State's balanced attack proved too much for New Mexico to handle.
Buljan finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds for New Mexico, but his efforts were not enough to stem the tide of Utah State's onslaught. The Lobos' usually reliable offense was held in check, as they managed just 33 points in each half. The 20-point margin of defeat was a sobering reminder that, despite their 18-5 record, New Mexico still has work to do to solidify their tournament position.
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Final
The win was a significant one for Utah State, as it marked a Quad 1 victory for the Aggies. With a current net ranking of 27, Utah State is firmly in the mix for a tournament berth, and this result will only strengthen their resume. For New Mexico, the loss was also a Quad 1 game, but it will be viewed as a missed opportunity to bolster their own tournament credentials. The Lobos' net ranking of 43 is still respectable, but they must regroup and refocus to avoid a slide down the rankings.
As the season enters its final stretch, Utah State's impressive road win will send a message to the rest of the college basketball world. The Aggies are a force to be reckoned with, and their performance at The Pit will be remembered as one of the most dominant of the season. With the tournament picture beginning to take shape, Utah State's win over New Mexico will be a key factor in their resume, and they want to build on this momentum as they push towards a postseason berth.