Utah State men's basketball (17-2, 7-1 MW) bounced back in emphatic fashion Wednesday night at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, securing a commanding 90-69 victory over Nevada. A historic night from beyond the arc powered the Aggies to a dominant win, solidifying their position as a top contender in the Mountain West Conference.
Red-Hot 3-Point Shooting Fuels Aggies' Victory
Utah State's perimeter shooting proved to be the difference-maker, as they connected on 16 shots from deep—tying for the sixth-best 3-point shooting performance in program history. Leading the long-range assault was fifth-year guard Ian Martinez, who delivered an exceptional 7-of-9 shooting performance from beyond the arc, contributing a game-high 23 points. Graduate guard Dexter Akanno was equally impressive, knocking down five of his seven attempts to finish with 15 points.
The Aggies shot an impressive 53.3 percent (16-of-30) from three-point range, with a remarkable second-half surge accounting for 11 made triples on 16 attempts. This long-range barrage provided the cushion Utah State needed to maintain control throughout the contest.
Strong Start and Defensive Prowess
Despite an early six-point deficit, Utah State quickly responded with an 8-0 run to reclaim the lead at the 10:47 mark of the first half. From that moment on, the Aggies never trailed, leveraging their defensive tenacity and ball security to stay ahead. The Aggies forced 18 turnovers, including 14 steals, which translated into 25 points. In contrast, they committed only eight turnovers, limiting Nevada's opportunities to just 11 points off giveaways.
At halftime, Utah State led 47-38, buoyed by their ability to capitalize on Nevada's miscues. While both teams shot efficiently—Utah State at 58 percent and Nevada at 60 percent in the first half—the Aggies' 12-2 turnover advantage played a pivotal role in their early dominance.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Win
The Aggies wasted no time putting the game out of reach after the break, fueled by Martinez's sharpshooting. He drained four three-pointers within the first five minutes of the second half, helping Utah State extend their lead to as much as 24 points. In total, the team scored 33 of their 43 second-half points from beyond the arc, showcasing their offensive firepower and ability to execute from long range.
Balanced Contributions Across the Board
Beyond Martinez's stellar performance, Utah State saw significant contributions from senior forward Aubin Gateretse, who posted 16 points, five rebounds, and a steal. Akanno's well-rounded effort included 15 points, two rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Sophomore guard Mason Falslev orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out a career-high 11 assists while also adding nine points, three rebounds, four steals, and a block. Graduate guard Drake Allen provided additional support with six assists, ensuring Utah State's offense operated smoothly.
Statistical Breakdown
Utah State's shooting efficiency was a key highlight of the game, finishing at 58.9 percent (33-of-56) from the field, an outstanding 53.3 percent (16-of-30) from three-point range, and a near-perfect 88.9 percent (8-of-9) from the free-throw line. Nevada, while solid in their shooting at 53.1 percent (26-of-49) overall and 42.9 percent (9-of-21) from deep, struggled to match the Aggies' offensive efficiency and turnover management.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Utah State reaffirms its place among the top teams in the Mountain West, displaying both offensive depth and defensive prowess. As the Aggies continue their conference campaign, their ability to maintain this level of shooting efficiency and defensive intensity will be crucial in their pursuit of postseason success.
Their next challenge will be another conference matchup, where they aim to build on this performance and extend their winning streak.
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