TAMPA, Fla. – A strong second half wasn't enough for Utah State men's basketball Thursday night at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, as the Aggies suffered their first defeat of the 2025-26 campaign, falling to South Florida 74-61.
The Aggies were forced to dig from a 23-point first-half hole after struggling to find offensive rhythm early on. USU missed its first seven shots of the night and connected on just four of its first 23 shots overall in the contest.
After having not trailed by more than eight points at any point of the season through the first seven games, Utah State trailed by double-figures eight minutes into this one. A 21-2 run for the Bulls, including a scoreless stretch of over five minutes by USU, helped put the hosts firmly in control, as USF took a 41-20 lead at the break.
Utah State returned to form in the second half, out-scoring the Bulls 41-33 following the break. The Aggies held South Florida to just two made baskets in the first nine minutes of the second half to inch closer and regain some composure.
A 24 percent shooting performance in the first half was answered with 48 percent shooting in the second by the Aggies, while defensively they held South Florida to just 38 percent shooting in the final 20 minutes, after it connected on 50 percent of its shots in the first.
Leading the way for USU in the scoring column was the guard duo of senior MJ Collins Jr. and junior Mason Falslev, who finished the night with 19 points apiece. Falslev also led the team's rebounding efforts with eight boards, while recording two assists and three steals as well.
Freshman forward Adlan Elamin was another bright spot for the Aggies in 16 minutes of action off the bench. Elamin scored six points while also tallying two blocks and two steals.
In total, Utah State shot 35.5 percent (22-of-62) from the floor, 29.2 percent (7-of-25) from 3-point range and 66.7 percent (10-of-15) at the charity stripe. South Florida shot 44.7 percent (21-of-47) from the field, 38.1 percent (8-of-21) from behind the arc and 75.0 percent (24-of-32) at the free throw line.
UP NEXT
Utah State will remain on the East Coast to wrap up a two-game road swing this weekend as it travels to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face Charlotte on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 12 p.m. (MT). The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
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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