Aggies Suffer First Home Loss In Nearly One Year To No. 13 San Diego State

LOGAN, Utah – The Utah State Aggies lost just their second home game in nearly one year when they fell to No. 13 San Diego State, 77-68.

It’s the first time in the Craig Smith era that the Aggies have lost consecutive games. Also, it’s the first time since February 24 and 28, 2018 that they have lost back-to-back games. They lost to UNLV on the road on Wednesday and to San Diego State at home on Saturday.

Before their loss to the Aztecs in the Spectrum, the Aggies lost their last home game on January 9, 2019 to Fresno State.

Sam Merrill led all scorers with 26 points on 8-21 shooting from the field and 3-12 from downtown. Neemias Queta started the game and finished with a double-double, 15 points and 14 rebounds, along with 3 blocks.

Final.#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/YWWLGtY0eH

— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) January 5, 2020

The Aggies trailed for most of the game as the Aztecs took a 34-27 lead into the halftime break. In the second half, San Diego State outscored Utah State 43-41. The Aggies stayed close as they pulled to within 6 points but the Aztecs took off from that point.

Utah State shot 42 percent from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on 6-23 for just 26 percent. They also struggled at the free throw line, making 16 of their 24 attempts.

Malachi Flynn scored 22 points to lead the Aztecs. He also recorded 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while shooting 5-9 from the floor and a perfect 10-10 at the charity stripe. Matt Mitchell contributed 19 points and 7 rebounds.

San Diego State shot 50 percent from the field, 9-20 from the three point line and 14-17 from the free throw line.

Utah State dropped to 13-4 overall and 2-2 in Mountain West Conference play. They will return to action on Tuesday against Air Force in Colorado Springs. The game will tip-off at 9 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN2.