LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In Utah State's fourth appearance in the championship game of the Mountain West tournament in the last five years, the Aggies fell short against top-seeded San Diego State, 62-57.

The Aggies started strong in the first half with an early 12-3 run to take early command of the contest. USU's lead grew to as many as 11 following a corner three from sophomore guard Zee Hamoda with seven minutes remaining in the first half. The Aztecs, however, closed the half on a 13-3 run to trim Utah State's advantage to a single point entering intermission at 29-28.

After several alternating baskets to start the second half, a 13-2 run from SDSU put the Aggies into chase-down mode, trailing by eight points with less than 10 minutes remaining. As they have on numerous occasions this season, Utah State responded, going on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to a single possession.

After exchanging baskets for several minutes, graduate senior Taylor Funk narrowly missed putting USU in front via a 3-pointer before the basket was waved off after review of the shot clock expiring. San Diego State sank two free throws on their ensuing possession to again push the lead beyond one possession. The Aggies attempted a furious comeback in the final minute, clawing back from a seven-point deficit and forcing a turnover to take possession trailing 53-50 with 48 seconds remaining. USU missed the game-tying three on the following possession, however, and the Aggies never again held possession with a chance to tie the game.

Junior guard Steven Ashworth led the Aggies with 13 points and two steals. Senior center Trevin Dorius also hit double figures with 12 points alongside seven rebounds. Graduate senior Dan Akin posted a team-high eight rebounds with seven points off the bench. Graduate senior Taylor Funk added seven rebounds and a career-high-tying three blocks. Funk, senior guard Sean Bairstow and junior guard Max Shulga tied for the team lead with three assists apiece.

Utah State is now 2-2 in MW Championship games, all against San Diego State in the last five seasons, and is 10-8 all-time in tournament championship games. 

Ashworth and Funk were also named to the MW all-tournament team. SDSU forward Matt Bradley was named the tournament's MVP.

Up Next

Utah State (26-8, 13-5 MW) awaits their postseason fate and a possible at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The NCAA tournament field will be revealed during the selection show airing on CBS on Sunday, March 12, at 4 p.m. (MT).

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.

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