Box Score CONWAY, S.C. – In a semifinal showdown between former Western Athletic Conference rivals, Utah State rolled to an 85-58 victory over New Mexico State on Friday afternoon at the Myrtle Beach Invitational at the HTC Center.
Junior guard
Rylan Jones scored a game-high 19 points, senior forward
Justin Bean added 17 points and seven rebounds, and the Aggies (3-1) cruised into the finals of the Myrtle Beach Invitational. They will play the winner of the Indiana State-Oklahoma game on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 1 p.m. (MT).
The 27-point margin of victory for Utah State was its third-highest in series history and the most lopsided since beating NMSU 92-71 on Feb. 4, 1989.
Utah State was never really tested on the day as New Mexico State shot just 35.1 percent from the field (20-of-57), including 37.5 percent from beyond the arc (12-of-32). USU is now 37-30 all-time against NMSU and has won back-to-back games against the crimson Aggies.
Two other Utah State players scored in double figures as grad senior
Brandon Horvath had 12 points, while
Max Shulga scored in double figures for this first time in his career as the sophomore guard finished with 11 off the bench.
Horvath, Jones and sophomore guard
Steven Ashworth each had four assists as Utah State recorded 22 helpers on 31 made baskets. The Aggies dominated the paint, outscoring New Mexico State 28-10 down low.
Ten of the 13 Utah State players that checked into the game scored at least two points, helping the designated hosts shoot a sizzling 56.4 percent from the field on the day (31-of-55), including 48.3 percent from beyond the arc (14-of-29), and 81.8 percent from the free throw line (9-of-11).
The 14 made 3-pointers by USU proved to be a season high.
Teddy Allen led New Mexico State (3-1) with 14 points and seven rebounds, and Levar Williams added 13 off the bench as he made four 3-pointers in the process.
Sir'Jabari Rice gave NMSU its only lead of the game when he opened the scoring just 32 seconds into the game on a jumper. USU answered at the 18:52 mark on a 3-pointer by Horvath, and the navy Aggies never trailed after that.
The score was deadlocked at 7-apice with 17:44 to go when Utah State used a 13-0 run to surge in front for good. Utah State built a 41-16 lead at the break as New Mexico State had just nine turnovers compared to five made baskets during the first 20 minutes of play.
For more information on Utah State's men's basketball program, follow the Aggies on Facebook at usumensbasketball, on Twitter at @usubasketball and on Instagram at @usubasketball. Fans can also watch USU men's basketball highlights by visiting youtube.com/utahstateathletics.
-USU-
