Box Score Nov. 17, 2015 Box Score | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery 
LOGAN, Utah - Utah State men's basketball built a 20-point halftime lead and, despite some lapses in the second half, rolled from there in an 83-68 home-opening victory over Adams State on Tuesday night. The win was the 22nd consecutive home-opening victory for USU and moved the Aggies to 50-9 all-time in home openers.
Utah State shot 51.7 percent (31-of-60) on the night and had three players in double figures, headlined by senior guard Chris Smith with 21, sinking a career-high nine baskets on 9-of-12 shooting. Junior wing Jalen Moore and redshirt freshman forward Quinn Taylor joined Smith in double figures with 17 and 12, respectively. Taylor also had a near double-double, logging a game-high nine rebounds, including five offense boards. Moore and Smith were just behind with seven rebounds, while the Aggies out-rebounded the Grizzlies 41-28.
Utah State used an 18-2 run over a six-minute stretch in the first half to overturn a 14-12 deficit and take a 30-16 lead with 7:38 to play. The run began on a put-back by Taylor and was punctuated by a 3-point basket by Moore. USU increased its lead to 20 going into the half as Smith hit a 3-point bucket with time expiring, sending the teams into the break with the Aggies leading, 47-27.
Utah State's advantage grew to as much as 26 in the second half, 70-44, with 12 minutes to play, but the Aggies then fell into a rut and failed to score over a four-minute stretch while committing five turnovers. The lull allowed the Grizzlies to put together a 12-0 run, making the difference 14, 70-56, with 7:15 on the clock. The run was answered by a six-point push by the Aggies to put the home side back up 20, 76-56, with 5:52 to play. Adams State countered with another 9-2 run to pull to within 13, 78-65, with just over four minutes to play, but was unable to get any closer as Utah State captured the 83-68 win at the final horn.
Adams State finished the night shooting 47.5 percent (31-of-60), including 26.1 percent (6-of-23) from behind the 3-point line and 42.9 percent (6-of-14) from the free throw line. Utah State made as many free throws as the Grizzlies attempted, shooting 14-of-23 from the charity stripe.
Utah State will be back in action on Friday night, hosting Union (Tenn.) University at 7 p.m., in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.
Single game tickets for the 2015-16 season are now available and begin at $17. USU men's basketball season ticket renewals, new season tickets and mini-plans are also available. Fans can purchase season tickets, starting at $230 and three-, four-, six- and nine-game mini-plans for as little as $30. For more basketball ticket information, fans can contact the USU Athletics Ticket Office over the phone by calling 1-888-USTATE-1 or 435-797-0305 during regular hours of operation. Fans can also buy their tickets in person at the USU Ticket Office inside the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum or online by clicking on the "Buy Tickets" tab at www.UtahStateAggies.com.
Utah State men's basketball news and information is available on Facebook facebook.com/USUmen'sbasketball and on Twitter @Aggiehoops. Fans can also get USU men's basketball highlights on YouTube at youtube.com/UtahStateAthletics. Aggie fans can follow the Utah State athletic program at Twitter @USUAthletics, on Facebook at facebook.com/USUAthletics, or on Instagram @USUAthletics.