USU Hoops: Winning the physical battle

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

A week ago, despite a win over Hawaii at the Spectrum, the Warriors destroyed Utah State in the rebounding department.

It's been like that for a while for the Aggies.

With Morgan Grim hobbled, with Brady Jardine out for the season, and with Kyisean Reed floating in and out of games, it's been hard for USU to hold its own on the boards.

On Thursday night against Nevada, a 53-52 defeat, the Aggies more than held their own. They dominated.

43-28 was the total for Utah State, a plus 15 rebounding advantage. But turnovers at key times, poor shooting in the first half and the lack of being able to get to the free-throw line, did USU in.

This was a season-high for rebounding, a season-high for rebounding deferential and the second most offensive rebounds of the season for USU.

Nevada is the first team to sweep Utah State since 2007, when Fresno State accomplished it.

Tony Jones