UTAH STATE AGGIES BASKETBALL

Utah State Remains Undefeated With Win Over St. Bonaventure

Nov 28, 2024, 5:54 PM

Ian Martinez #4...

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 24: Ian Martinez #4 of the Utah State Aggies attempts a shot while being guarded by Braden Smith #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

ORLANDO, Florida – Utah State withstood a late St. Bonaventure run to remain undefeated, advancing to the NIT Season Tip-Off championship with a 72-67 win. USU will play the winner of North Texas vs. Northern Iowa on Friday, November 29.

The Aggies (6-0) are in Orlando, Florida, taking on the St. Bonaventure Bonnies (6-1) as part of the NIT Season Tip-Off on Thursday, November 28.

RELATED: Utah State Knocks Off Iowa Hawkeyes In Early-Season Test

Mason Falslev dropped a double-double, finishing with 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Aggies in both categories. Four other USU players scored double-digits, with Ian Martinez and Dexter Akanno each scoring 14. Drake Allen added a dozen points and six assists, while Aubin Gateretse dropped ten points.

Noel Brown and Dasonte Bowen led the Bonnies with 15 points apiece. Melvin Council Jr. added a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double.

First Half

For a Utah State team that averages 98.6 points per game, the opening 20 minutes was a slog. St. Bonaventure’s defense held the Aggies to 2-of-18 three-point shooting to grab a 30-25 halftime lead. USU shot just 23.7 percent from the field, while the Bonnies made 13-of-31 shots (41.9 percent).

Utah State won the turnover battle, scoring six points on eight St. Bonaventure giveaways. USU turned the ball over twice while leading for nearly 17 minutes in the first half.

Ian Martinez led the offense with six points, followed by Mason Falslev’s five points. Three Aggies finished the half with four points. Drake Allen dished out four assists.

Melvin Council Jr. led all scorers with 11 points while adding a game-high seven rebounds. Chance Moore chipped in eight points for the Bonnies.

Second Half

Similar to the first half, both offenses had opportunities early in the half that dried up when the defenses took charge. Utah State improved from the field in the first 12 minutes, building a lead thanks to crisp passing on offense and hard-nosed defense on the other end.

Drake Allen, Mason Falslev, and Dexter Akanno each scored ten second-half points, with Falslev adding nine boards.

Following USU With KSL Sports Zone

Utah State will spend the holiday on the road, participating in the NIT Season Tipoff in Orlando, Florida. The Aggies face the St. Bonaventure Bonnies on Thanksgiving afternoon, with tipoff at 3:30 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN 2.

Listen to USU basketball games on KSL Sports Zone with Scott Garrard on the call.

Find KSL Sports coverage of Utah State University Athletics here.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio and video and stay updated on all your favorite teams.

Brian Preece is a KSLSports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here.

  • Utah State Aggies Scoreboard

  • Utah State Aggies Team Leaders

  • Utah State Aggies Standings

Utah State Aggies Basketball

Mason Falslev #12...

Brian Preece

Utah State’s Mason Falslev Earns Second Mountain West Weekly Award

Mason Falslev has been all over the court for undefeated Utah State, earning Mountain West Player of the Week after helping the Aggies to a 9-0 start.

2 days ago

utah state basketball...

Tanner Tripp

The Anatomy of Utah State Basketball’s Record 9-0 Start

The Aggies have done it again. In their first year under Head Coach Jerrod Calhoun, Utah State is undefeated through nine games, matching their best start to a season in program history.

5 days ago

Deyton Albury #13...

Brian Preece

Utah State Wins Ninth-Straight, Blows Out Utah Tech

The Utah State Aggies pressured, harassed, and trapped Utah Tech into a defensive-controlled 92-62 USU win.

6 days ago

diana-sabau-introduced-at-utah-state...

Brian Preece

Utah State Swinging Big With Bronco Mendenhall Hiring

Following a tumultuous season on the gridiron that failed to meet expectations, the Utah State Aggies are turning the page to Bronco Mendenhall. USU will formally introduce the former BYU head coach at a press conference on Monday, December 9.

8 days ago

Ian Martinez...

Brian Preece

Utah State Hangs On To Beat Wyoming In First Mountain West Game

Undefeated Utah State was tested but showed moxie, holding off Wyoming for a 70-67 win in each program's first Mountain West game. 

9 days ago

NCAA NET Rankings USU BYU Utah Basketball...

Chandler Holt

USU, BYU, Utah Receive First 2024 NCAA Net Rankings

The first NCAA NET Rankings for the 2024 College Basketball season have been released and three local teams have top 100 placements.

12 days ago

Sponsored Articles

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week – Week 15

SALT LAKE CITY – The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in Salt Lake County. Presented by Hercules First Federal Credit Union, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our co-winners this week were Esun Tafa and Cooper Kingston from […]

...

Utah County High School Player of the Week – Week 15

SALT LAKE CITY – The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep football players in Utah County. Sponsored by Mr. Mac, it honors athletes for their performances on the gridiron and exceptional play. Our co-winners this week were Aaron Dunn from Spanish Fork High School and […]

Rice-Eccles Stadium...

Crimson Cliffs Completes Epic Comeback To Win 4A State Championship

Crimson Cliffs needed the largest comeback in Utah state history to knock off the Spanish Fork Dons 57-55 in triple overtime.

corner canyon football celebrates win over lehi...

Corner Canyon Comes From Behind To Win 6A State Championship

The Corner Canyon Chargers fell behind early but didn't panic, scoring 23 straight points to beat Lone Peak 30-27.

Siaki Fekitoa...

Siaki Fekitoa’s Four TDs Lead Bountiful To 5A State Championship

Title Thursday started on a high note with a fireworks-filled offensive show as Bountiful held on to beat Roy 42-35.

...

Northern Utah High School Player of the Week – Week 14

SALT LAKE CITY – The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in Northern Utah. Presented by John Watson Chevrolet in Ogden, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our co-winners of the week were Beck Sheffield from Morgan High School […]

Utah State Remains Undefeated With Win Over St. Bonaventure