Utah State's Mason Falslev stole the show at the Arena-Auditorium, leading his team to a hard-fought 85-83 win over Wyoming. Falslev's impressive performance, which included 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, was the difference-maker in a game that saw both teams give it their all. Wyoming's Damarion Dennis was equally impressive, scoring 20 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the visiting Utah State squad.
Mason Falslev's 27 points mark his 10th 20-point game of the season
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Utah State taking a 39-35 lead into halftime. The second half saw both teams push the pace, with Wyoming's Nasir Meyer and Leland Walker combining for 34 points to keep their team in the hunt. However, Utah State's balanced attack, which included 20 points from MJ Collins Jr. and 10 points from Drake Allen, ultimately proved too much for the Cowboys.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout had predicted a Utah State win by 12.8 points, but the actual margin was a much narrower 2 points. Despite the closer-than-expected score, the prediction was correct, and Utah State's win was a reflection of their resilience and depth. The Aggies' ability to withstand Wyoming's best shots and emerge victorious will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they continue their push for a top seed in the tournament.
The win was a Quadrant 2 victory for Utah State, which will help to bolster their already impressive resume. For Wyoming, the loss was a Quadrant 1 opportunity that slipped through their fingers, but they can take heart from their strong performance against a top-25 team. The Cowboys' current net ranking of 100 will likely remain relatively stable, but they must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the tournament.
Utah State's victory improves their record to 20-3, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country. With their net ranking of 23, they are well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament. The Aggies' ability to win close games like this one matters in the postseason, where every possession counts.