FRESNO, Calif. – Utah State men's basketball (21-3, 11-2 MW) closed out a two-game road trip with a wire-to-wire victory Friday night at the Save Mart Center, using a 30-point performance from fifth year guard Ian Martinez in an 89-81 win over Fresno State. 
 
This was the second 30-point night of Martinez's career, as the Costa Rican made 10 of his 14 shots, including 3-of-6 shooting from behind the 3-point arc and a perfect 7-of-7 performance at the free throw line. He also contributed eight boards, three assists, two blocks and a steal. 
 
The Aggies came out of the gates firing, connecting on 12 of their first 17 shots of the night. Following an early 6-6 deadlock, Utah State scored 13-consecutive points to open up a 19-6 advantage, forcing six-straight Fresno State misses along the way. 
 
A dominant rebounding performance helped the Aggies maintain and build on the early lead. Through the first 20 minutes, USU pulled down 22 boards to Fresno State's nine. USU had as many offensive rebounds in the first half as Fresno State had total rebounds. 
 
The showcase on the glass, coupled with efficient shooting, contributed to Utah State's highest-scoring half in nearly two months. The Aggies took a 50-31 lead into the locker room at the break, the first 50-plus point half since scoring 52 against South Florida on Dec. 14. USU hit 60 percent of its first-half shots, including 45 percent of its shots from outside the 3-point arc. 
 
In the second half, the hosts found their shooting rhythm, making 53 percent of their shots to claw away at the Aggie lead, but USU maintained control. It wasn't until the final minute that Fresno State pulled within single-digits. 
 
Along with the big scoring night from Martinez, sophomore guard Mason Falslev had a strong performance as well. He went for 16 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Graduate guard Drake Allen also finished in double-digits, finishing with 10 points, two boards, seven assists and a team-high three steals. 
 
In total, Utah State pulled down 38 rebounds to Fresno State's 25, including 16 offensive boards. USU dominated down low, scoring 56 points in the paint while limiting the Bulldogs to 32. 
 
Utah State finished the game shooting 61.7 percent (37-of-60) from the floor, 31.3 percent (5-of-16) from behind the 3-point arc and 50.0 percent (10-of-20) from the free throw line. Fresno State shot 47.3 percent (26-of-55) from the field, including 39.1 percent (9-of-23) from 3-point range and 71.4 percent (20-of-28) at the charity stripe. 
 
UP NEXT
Utah State will now return home next week to the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum to face Colorado State on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on FS1. 
 
SEASON TICKETS
There are a limited number of tickets available for all remaining home games. To purchase visit utahstateaggies.com/tickets. 
 
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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