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LAS VEGAS — All Utah State wanted was a chance at a deep tournament run.
The Aggies got it Thursday, until the final minute of its matchup with top-seeded San Diego State.
Utah State was tied with the Aztecs with just one minute remaining, but Trey Kell scored two of his game-high 17 points on the go-ahead jumper with 44 seconds left, to help San Diego State survive Utah State's upset bid, 71-65.
Jalen Moore led Utah State (16-15) with 14 points and nine rebounds, but his potential game-tying shot with 12 seconds remaining kept the Aggies at bay, and the Aztecs (24-8) made their free throws down the stretch to hold on for the win as Utah State went nearly the final seven minutes without a field goal.
Lew Evans added 15 points and seven rebounds for Utah State, and Julion Pearre scored 12 for the Aggies.
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Evans pulled Utah State within one, 64-63 on a pair of free throws with seven seconds left. But the Aggies could get no closer.
Shane Rector totaled 11 points and four rebounds in his second-straight start for Utah State.
Malik Pope had 15 points and seven rebounds for San Diego State, which advanced to Friday's semifinals. Winston Shepard supplied 12 points and eight rebounds for the Aztecs.
