Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Jalen Moore scored a season-high 21 points to help Utah State roll to an 80-71 victory over San Jose State in a Mountain West Conference opener for both schools on Wednesday night.
Utah State (9-3) has won four consecutive games while San Jose State (5-8) has lost five of its last six.
"Road victories are really satisfying, especially when they come in conference play," Utah State coach Tim Duryea said. "We played extremely well in the first half. San Jose tried to zone us and that is really hard to do with our group on a normal night. We are a tough team to zone, we can shoot from four spots and can spread you out a little bit and we did a good job sharing the ball and not committing turnovers."
Grayson Moore scored 12 points, and Darius Perkins and Julion Pearre chipped in 11 for Utah State.
"Our ball movement was good and that was with Chris Smith sitting out most of the first half because of foul trouble. Grayson Moore came off the bench and was fantastic," Duryea added. "Jalen also played well and made big plays and big shots and had a great look shooting the ball tonight. Darius Perkins came in and did what he normally does, sprinkling in a three right when we needed it."
Frank Rogers had 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead San Jose State.
Ryan Welage made two 3-pointers and Rogers a layup to pull the Spartans to 49-45 early in the second half. The Aggies answered with a 21-11 surge and led 70-56 with six minutes left. Pearre scored nine and Moore five during the stretch.
The Spartan's Jaycee Hillsman made a 3 to cut the deficit to 79-69 with 31 seconds left.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
