LOGAN, Utah – Utah State men's basketball (1-0, 0-0 MW) opened its 2025-26 campaign in dominant fashion Monday night inside of Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, defeating Westminster 110-54. Five different Aggie players scored in double-figures in the season debut, paced by a 23-point performance by senior guard MJ Collins Jr.
Utah State's 56-point victory is tied for its ninth-largest margin of victory in program history.
The Aggies never trailed in this one, leading for over 39 minutes en route to the 56-point win. The scoring began with five-straight points by junior guard Mason Falslev, who finished the night with nine points, five boards and four assists in just 16 minutes of action. After back-to-back 3-pointers for junior wing Tucker Anderson, Collins Jr. followed with back-to-back-to-back triples as his first nine points in an Aggie uniform all came from behind the 3-point arc.
By the half, USU saw its lead expand to 26 points as the Aggies went into the locker room with a 53-27 advantage. 3-point shooting spurred the Aggies' efforts throughout the night, but especially early on as they connected on 58 percent (11-of-19) shooting from deep in the first 20 minutes. Utah State finished the night with 19 made 3-pointers, tied for the third-most in a game in program history.
It took just over four minutes for USU to expand its lead from 26 to 46 following the break, as the Aggies opened the second half of action with a 22-2 run with baskets coming from seven different players during that stretch.
Later in the half, freshman forward Adlan Elamin scored seven-straight for USU to push the Aggie lead to over 50 points, where it remained for the rest of the contest. Elamin went on to finish his collegiate debut with 12 points, a rebound, two steals and two blocks.
Along with Elamin and Collins Jr., other double-digit scorers for Utah State included senior guard Kolby King, who went for 16 points, senior forward Garry Clark, who posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double, and freshman guard Elijah Perryman, who neared a double-double of his own with 10 points and eight assists.
On the night, Utah State shot 60.9 percent (42-of-69) from the floor, 51.4 percent (19-of-37) from 3-point range and 77.8 percent (7-of-9) at the free throw line. Westminster shot 33.3 percent (19-of-57) from the field, 27.8 percent (5-of-18) from deep and 61.1 percent (11-of-18) at the charity stripe.
Along with efficient shooting, USU capitalized on strong ball movement throughout the contest. 32 of the team's 42 made baskets were assisted on, led by a nine-helper effort from graduate guard Drake Allen. USU's 32 assists are tied for the seventh-most in a single game in program history, and are the most since 2019.
In total, 73 of Utah State's 110 points came from newcomers. The Aggie bench accounted for 57 points, while USU out-scored Westminster 38-0 on fast breaks.
Westminster was paced in scoring by Colin Hayes, who finished with 12 points.
UP NEXT
Utah State will head on the road this weekend as it travels to Frisco, Texas, for a neutral site matchup against VCU on Friday, Nov. 7, at the Comerica Center. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2025-26 men's basketball season have sold out. Fans can purchase single game tickets for available remaining games here. A waitlist for 2026-27 season tickets is now available here.
FOLLOW
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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