Queta Powers Aggies Past New Mexico
Feb 20, 2019, 11:29 PM | Updated: Feb 21, 2019, 10:56 am
(Rich Parker, Utah State Athletics)
(Rich Parker, Utah State Athletics)
LOGAN, Utah – It took most of the first half for Utah State to take over the game as they pick up a 71-55 win over New Mexico.
Neemias Queta had an outstanding performance with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks to lead the Aggies. Sam Merrill chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Diogo Brito added 13 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.
For New Mexico, Anthony Mathis was the only player to reach double figures with 20 points.
Despite shooting 37 percent, Utah State forced the Lobos to commit 18 turnovers.
Slow Start Leads To Strong End Of First Half
Both teams started out sluggish as both teams struggled offensively, but New Mexico had a 20-15 lead with 8 minutes left in the first half.
At that point, Utah State had made just 7 of their first 25 field goal attempts. The Lobos were 8-of-21 from the field.
Merrill hit a three-pointer as time expired to send Utah State to the locker room with a 35-32 lead. Queta had the hot hand in the first 20 minutes with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Utah State Pulls Away In Second Half
The Aggies pushed their advantage to 48-41 with 10 minutes left in the game as Merrill reached double figures in scoring.
Abel Porter hit a three-pointer that fired up the Spectrum and put Utah State on a 6-0 run to take a 52-41 lead with 9 minutes left.
With 1:39 left in the game, Utah State had control of the game with a 66-53 lead.
Aint no party like a #SpectrumLateNight Party, cause a #SpectrumLateNight Party DON’T STOP!#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/01e0Iy54wr
— USU Men’s Hoops (@USUBasketball) February 21, 2019
Up Next
Utah State improved to 21-6 overall and 11-3 in Mountain West Conference play and have won three straight games.
They will travel to Boise State on Saturday at 2 p.m. on the Mountain West Network.
This will be the only meeting between the Aggies and Broncos this season. Both teams won at home last season with Utah State beating Boise State 71-65 in Logan and the Broncos picking up a 71-67 victory in Boise.
