Utah State Hangs On, Aggies Pick Up Important Win Against Wyoming

Feb 21, 2023, 9:07 PM | Updated: Feb 23, 2023, 10:12 am

KSL Sports

LOGAN, Utah – It won’t be remembered as an all-timer, but Utah State did enough to keep their postseason hopes alive with a 65-55 win over Wyoming.

Utah State (22-7, 11-5) took on the Wyoming Cowboys (8-19, 3-12) on Tuesday, February 21. USU dominated Wyoming earlier this season, coming away with an 83-63 win in early January.

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬!

🧹🤠🧹#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/mg2jzuuwzz

— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) February 22, 2023

USU came in winners of two straight. The Aggies knocked off Air Force 80-65 before welcoming in the Nevada Wolfpack over the weekend. Nevada jumped out to a 21-point first half lead but the USU weathered the storm and picked up a 75-66 home win.

The Cowboys looked to rebound from a disappointing 75-69 loss at home to Air Force on February 17.

Steven Ashworth’s 19 points led the Aggies thanks to shooting 10-of-12 at the free throw line. Max Shulga and Dan Akin added 11 apiece on a combined 8-of-13 from the field.

Xavier DuSell finished with 21 points. Hunter Maldonado added 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the loss.

First Half

Mountain West Player of the Week Max Shulga started hot in chilly Larmamie.

Shulga opened with two quick threes as Utah State jumped out to a 17-8 lead in the first five minutes. USU made 6-0f-7 shots to open up the early lead.

Sh🏀🏀ter Shulga!

📺 @CBSSportsNet #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/iS2jP0bcGK

— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) February 22, 2023

Later in the half, back-to-back jumpers from Taylor Funk and Steven Ashworth gave USU a 24-12 advantage.

well you just love to see that!

📺 @CBSSportsNet @taylor_swishh | #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/YZB8ku8sDZ

— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) February 22, 2023

After opening up a 32-21 lead with just over five minutes left in the half, the Aggies went as cold as they had all season long.

Utah State missed eight of nine shots, adding just one free throw the rest of the half while Wyoming closed on a 12-1 run.

Max Shulga led the Aggies with seven points. Sean Bairstow and Dan Akin added six points apiece. Xavier DuSell led all scorers with 16 first half points.

HALF | All squared at 33-33 heading into half time. #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/yxAvqj7Nfi

— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) February 22, 2023

Second Half

Neither team could gain an advantage early in the second half. Wyoming built a three point lead with 15:55 left only to see it disappear as Utah State came right back. The Aggies would hold a 45-40 lead with 11:58 to play after an 8-0 run.

SPLASHW💦RTH

📺 @CBSSportsNet @stevenAsh_15 | #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/SQQKBN0Sg8

— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) February 22, 2023

Down the stretch, Wyoming lack of depth started to show.

Wyoming went 5:19 without a field goal. Hunter Maldonado added just two free throws for the Cowboys while Utah State built a 55-47 lead headed into the final media timeout.

USU held on late, picking up their 22 win of the year, 65-55

Up Next

Utah State will have a week of practice before playing its next game. In their final regular season road game, USU takes on the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (16-11, 5-10) on Saturday, March 1. Tip-off for this game is scheduled for 9 p.m. (MT).

The Aggies then close out the regular season when they welcome the Boise State Broncos (21-6, 11-3) to the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Saturday, March 4. Tip-off for this game is scheduled for 7 p.m. (MT).

Every Utah State basketball game can be heard on the KSL Sports Zone with Scott Garrard on the call.

Coverage of Utah State University Athletics from KSL Sports can be found here.