Utah State Remains Undefeated With Win Over St. Bonaventure
Nov 28, 2024, 5:54 PM
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.
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Winner winner, turkey dinner 🦃#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/WFwapJUz2s
— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) November 29, 2024
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.
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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.
Mason's jumper is sweeter than mama's apple pie 🥧@mason_falslev #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/ikoy8MghCx
— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) November 28, 2024
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.
Aubin is FEASTING with back-to-back dunks 🍴@Aubinoooo #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/pl5dmUkvOo
— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) November 28, 2024
Drake Allen, Mason Falslev, and Dexter Akanno each scored ten second-half points, with Falslev adding nine boards.
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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.
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Brian Preece is a KSLSports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here.
