The Utah State men’s basketball team is off to a blazing start this season, and Monday night’s 95-83 victory over Montana at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum was another testament to their potential. In a matchup against the Big Sky preseason favorites, the Aggies not only showed their offensive depth but also their ability to respond under pressure—qualities that should excite fans as the season unfolds.
What stood out the most in this game wasn’t just the scoreline but the way Utah State controlled the narrative after a sluggish start. The backcourt duo of Ian Martinez and Mason Falslev was electric, combining for an eye-popping 57 points. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Against a tough opponent, Utah State demonstrated poise, creativity, and an edge that championship-caliber teams exhibit early in the season.
Ian Martinez’s performance was nothing short of legendary. Dropping a career-high 32 points is impressive on its own, but it was his precision at the free-throw line that etched his name into the record books. His perfect 16-for-16 performance from the stripe showcased not only his technical skill but also his composure under pressure. Free throws can often be the Achilles’ heel of otherwise great players, but Martinez flipped the script, turning them into a weapon. Pair that with his 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, and it’s clear that Martinez is the kind of player who can take over a game in multiple ways.
What’s exciting about Martinez is his versatility. He’s not just a scorer—he’s a complete player. Seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal highlight his ability to impact the game beyond the scoreboard. Utah State is lucky to have a guard like him, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could be one of the most dangerous players in the conference.
Right alongside Martinez was Mason Falslev, who matched his career high with 25 points. The sophomore guard showed incredible efficiency, going 11-of-17 from the field. While Martinez dazzled with his free throws, Falslev brought a scrappy, high-energy performance, tying his career high with five steals. His knack for reading the game and disrupting Montana’s flow was a game-changer.
Watching Falslev play, you can’t help but feel like you’re seeing the early stages of a breakout star. He’s unselfish, relentless on defense, and calm under pressure—a rare combination that could make him a cornerstone for Utah State in the years to come.
What makes this Utah State team particularly intriguing is their resilience. The game didn’t start well for the Aggies, who missed their first six shots and went over three minutes without a field goal. That’s the kind of sluggish start that can sink a team against a quality opponent, but Utah State didn’t flinch. Instead, they turned up the heat, shooting 64 percent for the remainder of the first half and forcing 14 turnovers.
This is a team that clearly thrives on defensive pressure, and their ability to create turnovers and capitalize on them is a key ingredient to their success. The Aggies converted Montana’s 18 turnovers into 27 points—almost a third of their total output. That kind of opportunistic play can carry a team far, especially as the competition stiffens.
Sophomore forward Karson Templin deserves a shoutout for his stellar performance in his first collegiate start. Templin didn’t just contribute—he made his presence felt with 12 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. His near double-double shows that Utah State’s depth goes beyond just their guards. In a sport where star players often dominate the headlines, it’s the role players like Templin who can elevate a good team to greatness.
This victory isn’t just another tally in the win column—it’s a message to the rest of the league. Utah State is for real. They’ve shown they can win in different ways, whether it’s through explosive offense, lockdown defense, or clutch free-throw shooting. The fact that they weathered Montana’s second-half surge and never let the Grizzlies take control speaks volumes about their mental toughness.
But there’s still work to be done. While Utah State shot an impressive 50 percent from the field and 45 percent from deep, there were stretches where their focus wavered. Montana’s 12-0 run in the second half exposed some lapses that better teams might exploit. Still, these are the kinds of growing pains that can be ironed out, especially for a team with this much talent and depth.
Next up, the Aggies face their first road game of the season against Iowa, an undefeated Big Ten powerhouse. This will be a litmus test for Utah State—a chance to see how they measure up against top-tier competition. Playing on the road against a high-caliber opponent will require even more resilience, precision, and focus than they’ve shown so far.
If the Aggies can bring the same intensity and versatility they displayed against Montana, they’ll have a real shot at making noise not just in their conference but on the national stage. With players like Martinez and Falslev hitting their stride, and role players like Templin stepping up, the pieces are in place for something special.
Utah State fans, buckle up. This season is shaping up to be one for the books.
