FRISCO, Texas – Utah State men's basketball (2-0, 0-0 MW) survived its first test away from home of the season, earning an 80-77 neutral site victory over VCU Friday night at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Against the Atlantic 10 Conference's preseason favorites, Utah State led for over 35 minutes to pick up a resume win in its second game of the season. The Aggies saw their lead stretch to as many as 18 points in the second half, then held off a late push by the Rams to secure the win.
After a back-and-forth start to the game, Utah State took early command with a 15-2 run to open up a 30-18 advantage. The Aggies remained in control for the remainder of the half, fighting off an 8-0 Ram run just before the half to take a 45-36 lead into the break.
Out of the locker room, USU scored 12 of the second half's first 16 points to open up its biggest lead of the night, and maintained a double-digit advantage until there were less than five minutes to play. Then, a late surge from the Rams erased the Aggie advantage. VCU scored 10-straight points and used a 14-1 run over a three minute span to pull even at 76-76 with just 34 seconds remaining.
A layup by senior forward Garry Clark with 15 seconds remaining put USU back on top, but the Rams earned a trip to the charity stripe with four seconds remaining. After a 1-for-2 trip to the line, VCU fouled senior guard MJ Collins Jr., who connected on both to make it an 80-77 ballgame with three seconds to play. An inbound heave across midcourt into a huddle of Aggies then ended the comeback attempt, as USU held on for the win.
For the second time in as many games, it was Collins Jr. leading Utah State's scoring efforts as he went for a team-best 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, following his 23-point night in the opener against Westminster on Nov. 3. He was joined in double-figures by junior guard Mason Falslev with 18 points, and senior forward Garry Clark with 11 points. Clark finished with his second-straight double-double, pulling down a team-high 14 boards to go with his 11 points.
The Aggies found success in the paint throughout the night, out-scoring VCU 44-26 down low. Utah State also took advantage of 14 offensive rebounds, scoring 20 second-chance points.
Defensively, USU forced 18 turnovers. Spurring the Aggies on the defensive end was graduate guard Drake Allen, who matched his career high with six steals. Allen also led the team's facilitating efforts with nine assists, as Utah State recorded 18 assists on 28 made baskets.
Utah State finished the night shooting 48.3 percent (28-of-58) from the floor, including 46.2 percent (6-of-13) from deep and 69.2 percent (18-of-26) at the free throw line. VCU shot 41.7 percent (25-of-60) from the field, 36.7 percent (11-of-30) from 3-point range and 57.1 percent (16-of-28) from the charity stripe.
UP NEXT
Utah State will return home for a pair of games next week, beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 12, when it hosts Weber State at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., and the game will be streamed on Mountain West Network and broadcast locally on KMYU.
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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