Dec. 29, 2003

Final Stats

LOGAN, Utah - Spencer Nelson scored a game-high 20 points and added a team-best six rebounds to lead Utah State to a convincing 74-48 victory against San Francisco in the first round of its own Gossner Foods Holiday Classic here late Monday.

Nelson connected on seven of eight field goal attempts and six of eight free throw attempts en route to his 20 points. He also added four assists and three steals in just 26 minutes of action.

With the win Utah State improved to 7-1 on the season and 19-0 in its 10th year of hosting its own holiday tournament. San Francisco fell to 8-6 on the year. The Aggies will meet New Mexico State in Tuesday's championship game, while USF will face UT-San Antonion in the consolation final.

The Aggies raced out to a 38-19 halftime advantage while shooting 57.7 percent in the first 20 minutes. USU pushed its second half lead to as much as 29 points before getting the win.

For the game USU shot 55.8 percent from the field, while holding the Dons to 38.5 percent. USU committed just nine turnovers while forcing USF into 17 miscues.

USF struggled from the outside making just four of 20 three-point attempts. The teams were even on the boards as USU had 30 to USF's 29.