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LOGAN — Utah State stayed hot Saturday night with its sixth straight win, beating UC Irvine 79-69.
Though the game remained close through the first half, the Aggies outscored the Anteaters 37-28 in the second half, building a comfortable separation and securing the win.
"I'm really proud of our guys," Utah State head coach Danny Sprinkle said. "Once again, they keep finding ways to win. That is a really good team, and I kept telling the guys that it's tough to beat UC Irvine. They aren't going to beat themselves."
The Aggies were led in scoring by Cache Valley native Mason Falslev with 19 points on 66.7% shooting. He also added five rebounds and was on the ground several times, diving for loose balls and making other important hustle plays.
"That's something the coaches taught us from the get-go in the summer, is if the ball is on the floor, you're the first one on the ground," Falslev said, who added that he prides himself on rebounding and doing the other "little things" to ensure his team is successful.
Great Osobor, who sported a pair of goggles after taking a few incidental shots to the eye in their last contest against Saint Louis, added 17 points to the Aggies' offensive efforts. Ian Martinez and Josh Uduje also scored in double figures for Utah State.
Though guard Darius Brown scored just 3 points, he facilitated the Aggies' offense with nine assists — more than half of the team's total assists on the evening.
The Anteaters were led by Justin Hohn, who went 8-of-11 from the field for 21 points, but 10 of his points came before the first media timeout at 15:44 to play in the first half.
The win moves the Aggies to 7-1 on the first leg of a three-game home stretch, and their first home game in several weeks. After the contest, UC Irvine head coach Russell Turner said the Aggies' home floor was "difference making."
"It's different than what we've experienced, and we played at USC, but it was nothing like that there compared to here," Turner added.
Falslev, as well as Sprinkle, and almost any other Aggies player, agree with Turner. The team is always quick to mention that the Aggies' home court advantage does make a difference.
"I love the Hurd and love all the fans that come out," Falslev said. "You don't understand how big of a deal it is. It's so hard to come in here and win because of the fans."
The Aggies' season continues Wednesday night against San Diego in Logan, where Utah State will attempt to keep its win streak alive and remain unbeaten at home.
