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Thirty-three games and almost two years have passed since Utah State last lost a game in the Spectrum. That's good for third in the country when it comes to home-court winning streaks.
The above statistic has been mentioned because Wednesday night's home contest against Denver is dangerous for USU. Because the Pioneers have gotten off to a fast start, beaten St. Mary's and have put athletes and shooters into their Princeton offensive system, they may qualify as the best team Utah State has faced so far in six games.
"I watched them absolutely take St. Mary's apart on film," USU coach Stew Morill said. "They are a very good team and they present a lot of challenges in that offense that they run. It's such a unique offense, and they have such good shooters. This will be a difficult game for us."
It's true that Utah State faced Denver last season, along with Georgetown, two of the more notable teams in college basketball that employ the Princeton system that's based on backdoor cuts, movement and 3-point shooting.
It's also true that the Aggies faced those two teams with the likes of Tai Wesley, Pooh Williams and Tyler Newbold. None of those guys suit up for Morrill anymore. All three of them have been replaced by guys who weren't on the active roster a season ago.
That means Morrill is starting from basically scratch when it comes to defending the Pioneers, who will officially be in the Western Athletic Conference next season as a basketball-only school.
"It would be different if we had experience returning from last year," Morrill said. "But we don't, so that causes me to worry about what Denver can do offensively. We're going to have to defend well and be cautious with the backdoor cuts."
A team that's struggled offensively at points this year, Utah State broke out in a way against Idaho State on Saturday. The Aggies made shots from the perimeter, and watched as Preston Medlin hit eight 3-pointers on his way to a career-high 26. Morrill said there's the strong possibility that freshman Adam Thoseby will start, after his strong performance against ISU.
Junior forward Kyisean Reed has a sore knee and won't play on Wednesday night. Coupled with Brady Jardine's foot injury, that means former Bingham High star Ben Clifford will start for the second straight game. A redshirt freshman, Clifford scored 10 points at Idaho State.
Twitter: @tonyaggieville —
Denver at Utah State
P At the Spectrum, Logan
Tipoff • 7 p.m., MST
TV • KCSG
Radio • 97.5 FM
Records • Denver 4-1, Utah State 3-2
Series record • Utah State leads 54-34
Last meeting • Utah State, 61-53 (Dec. 1, 2010)