LOGAN, Utah - Utah State men's basketball is among the best in the nation on the glass and on the defensive end, ranking fourth in the nation in rebounding margin (+13.2), sixth in defensive rebounds per game (32.0) and seventh in the nation in field goal percentage defense, holding opponents to just 36.5 percent (232-of-636) shooting from the floor.
The Aggies are coming off of their best defensive showing of the season in an 86-48 victory over Alabama State last Saturday as USU posted season highs of nine blocks and 12 steals. Freshman center Neemias Queta has been a key cog in the Aggies' success on defense, totaling 27 blocks this season to rank No. 11 in the nation. Queta's total ranks fourth among freshmen in Utah State history and his 2.45 blocks per game leads the Mountain West and ranks 26th in the nation.
Queta is also the leader on the glass for the Aggies, averaging 8.5 rebounds per game, while Utah State is averaging 42.82 rebounds per game to rank just outside the top-10 in the nation at No. 11. USU's 471 total rebounds this season rank No. 15 in all the land.
Utah State is off to its best start under a first-year head coach in school history as Craig Smith has led the Aggies to a 9-2 record over their opening 11 games, matching the start by Ladell Andersen during the 1961-62 season. USU's most recent victory over Alabama State was by the largest margin this season, 38 points, as the Aggies rank No. 16 in the nation in scoring margin (+18.0) and No. 25 in scoring offense, averaging 84.0 points per game.
Utah State's offensive philosophy has shifted from the 3-point line to aggressive driving as the Aggies have made their mark at the free throw line. USU ranks 15th in the nation in free throw percentage, shooting 77.1 percent (199-of-258), and ranks No. 18 in total free throws made (199).
Individually, junior guard Sam Merrill ranks No. 16 in the nation in free throw percentage, converting 91.4 percent (53-of-58) at the line. Merrill is the only player in the Mountain West that ranks among the top-10 in field goal percentage (.511, 3rd), free throw percentage (.914, 3rd) and 3-point field goal percentage (.424, 7th).
When it comes to the Mountain West, Utah State leads the league in 12 different statistics, including scoring offense (84.0), scoring defense (66.0), scoring margin (+18.0), free throw percentage (.771), field goal percentage (.494), field goal percentage defense (.365), rebounding offense (42.7), rebounding defense (29.6), rebounding margin (+13.1), assists (16.5), defensive rebounds (31.9) and defensive rebound percentage (.805).
Utah State will be back in action on Thursday, Dec. 20, facing No. 21 Houston inside the newly renovated Fertitta Center. Tip-off in the Lone Star State is scheduled for 6 p.m. (MT). Fans can hear the game on the Aggie Digital Network and watch on ESPN3, online at www.watchespn.com.
Utah State men's basketball news and information is available on Facebook (facebook.com/usumensbasketball), on Twitter (@usubasketball) and on Instagram (@usubasketball). Fans can also get USU men's basketball highlights on YouTube (youtube.com/utahstateathletics).
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