Dec 28, 2002

Box Score

LOGAN, Utah (AP) - Toraino Johnson scored a career-high 19 points and Desmond Penigar scored 18 and added 13 rebounds to lead Utah State to a 72-54 victory over Arkansas State in the first round of the Gossner Foods Holiday Classic on Friday night.

Johnson hit seven-of-nine field goal attempts and added six rebounds to pace the Aggies, who improved to 8-2 with the victory. Arkansas State, which fell to 5-6, was led by Trevoris Thompson, who scored 18 points.

The teams were tied at 17 with 7:30 left in the first half before a 9-1 run by USU gave the Aggies a 26-18 lead. Johnson fueled the run with five points, and scored seven straight points for USU late in the first half.

Utah State turned a 30-26 halftime advantage into a 46-33 lead with a 16-7 run to open the second half. Johnson added four points in that run, while Spencer Nelson scored seven points. Arkansas State never got closer than nine points the rest of the way.

USU out-rebounded the Indians 48-20. The Aggies also took advantage of free throw opportunities, hitting 16 of 22 shots.

Nelson was the third Aggie in double-figures with 12 points. He also recorded seven rebounds and a game-high five assists in just 20 minutes of play.

Arkansas State's Antonio Rambo added 11 points in the loss.

The victory improved USU's record in its own Gossner Foods Classic to 17-0. The Aggies will meet Idaho State in Saturday's championship game.

The Bengals defeated Missouri-Kansas City 75-61. UMKC will play Arkansas State in the consolation contest.