Utah State finished its exhibition schedule undefeated on October 24 with a 101-79 victory over Santa Clara at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The Aggies secured the blowout win by scoring 60 points in the second half to overcome a six-point halftime deficit.
Mason Falslev returned to the starting lineup after missing the previous week's game against Saint Mary's due to a lower-body injury. Falslev led all scorers with 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Graduate center Connor Turnbull contributed 16 points and eight rebounds in 16 minutes, including five offensive rebounds. The Aggies utilized a high-paced offense and aggressive defensive hedges to force turnovers and create transition opportunities.
The Aggies addressed previous concerns regarding defensive rebounding and perimeter defense. Utah State outrebounded Santa Clara 46-35, including 16 offensive rebounds that led to 22 second-chance points. The Broncos, who were picked to finish atop the West Coast Conference this season, shot 6-for-30 from three-point range. Utah State's scoring was bolstered by a mid-second-half surge where they hit three consecutive three-pointers in under a minute.
The win marks the third victory in an exhibition slate that included previous wins over Denver and Saint Mary's. Coach Ben Jacobson noted progress in guarding the ball and pick-and-roll defense. The roster features 11 newcomers under the new coaching staff.
Utah State is scheduled to open the regular season on Nov. 2 against Idaho State.
