Utah State Survives Laramie, Edges Out Wyoming Late

Feb 4, 2025, 9:06 PM

Follow @kslsports...

LARAMIE, Wyoming – Utah State had just enough to overcome the upset-minded Wyoming Cowboys, picking up a 71-67 road win. The outside shot wasn’t falling for USU, but 38 points in the paint and 31 free throws lifted the team to a win.

The Aggies (19-3, 9-2) are in the Cowboy State to face Wyoming (11-11, 4-7) on Tuesday, February 4. Second behind New Mexico in the Mountain West, the Aggies beat Wyoming 70-67 in early December.

Nineteen points from Ian Martinez led all scorers. Drake Allen added 11 points and four assists. Mason Falslev just missed out on a double-double, finishing with nine points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Utah State shot 40.7 percent from the field and made just 3-of-19 (15.8 percent) from deep. The Aggies forced 14 Wyoming turnovers, converting those into 18 points.

Jordan Nesbitt led two Cowboys in double figures with 11 points. Dontaie Allen added 10 in the loss.

First Half

The Aggie defense held Wyoming without a point for more than two minutes but couldn’t open up a lead after a poor offensive start. The Aggies and Cowboys were tied 6-6 after four minutes.

Drake Allen continued his excellent play recently, knocking down a pair of threes to give USU a 15-8 lead.

Wyoming then went on a 6-0 run, cutting the gap to one with 8:50 left in the half.

Abuin Gateretse ended the run with a put-back and one out of the timeout. Eighteen of the Aggies’ first 22 points came in the paint as USU enjoyed a size advantage.

Both offenses were inconsistent throughout the half, with turnovers a common occurrence. The two teams combined for 15 giveaways, with the Cowboys committing eight.

Wyoming closed the half on a 7-2 run to take a 35-30 lead at the break.

The Cowboys’ Jordan Nesbitt led all scorers with 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Dantaie Allen added eight points.

Ian Martinez led USU with eight points, followed by six from Allen. The Aggies went 2-of-12 from deep after struggling mightily from distance in the loss to New Mexico. USU finished 11-of-28 (39.3 percent) from the floor, while the Cowboys made 58.3 percent (14-of-24) of their looks.

Second Half

The Aggies sprinted out of the locker room with a 15-2 run, shocking the Laramie faithful. Martinez dropped five quick points to spearhead the burst.

Despite starting 0-of-5 from deep, Martinez maintained his scoring edge with aggressive drives to the basket.

Wyoming responded with a 7-0 run, cutting the deficit to one.

Utah State’s defense held Nesbitt and Allen scoreless in the opening ten minutes of the half after the duo combined for 19 in the first.

The Aggies took their largest lead, 54-46, into the under eight-minute timeout. USU outscored the Cowboys 24-11 in the first 11:04 of the half.

Another Aggie run came on the backs of their defense. Wyoming went more than six minutes without a field goal as Utah State rattled off a 10-3 run to take a 64-56 lead with 1:24 left.

A 55 percent free throw shooter, Mason Falslev knocked down two huge free throws in the final minute to maintain a six-point lead.

The Aggies held on for the 71-67 win.

Following USU With KSL Sports Zone

Utah State heads to California to face the Fresno State Bulldogs on Friday, February 7. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. MT.

Listen to USU basketball games on KSL Sports Zone with Scott Garrard on the call.

Find KSL Sports coverage of Utah State University Athletics here.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio and video and stay updated on all your favorite teams.

Brian Preece is a KSLSports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on Twitter and Instagram at @bpreece24. 

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Jazz Shocked By Phoenix Suns In Come-From-Behind Overtime Win

The Utah Jazz lost in dramatic fashion after a win looked all but secured against the Phoenix Suns in Footprint Center on Friday.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah State Defense Kennels Bulldogs In Aggie Win

FRESNO, California - Despite some warts, the Utah State Aggies proved to be the better team in an 89-81 win over Fresno State. 

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Isaiah Collier Sets Utah Jazz History In First Half Against Suns

Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier set a new franchise record in the first half against the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Rookie To Vet: Isaiah Collier Dime Sets Up Lauri Markkanen Dunk

In the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns, rookie guard Isaiah Collier set up Lauri Markkanen on the fastbreak for a highlight one-hand dunk.

4 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Jazz Vs. Phoenix Suns Blog: Live Updates, Analysis, And More

The Utah Jazz are down in the Valley to take on the Phoenix Suns in the first game after the trade deadline. Stay caught up with our live blog!

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Kyle Van Noy Links Up With BYU Football Stars Following Pro Bowl Festivities

Former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy just wrapped up his first-ever Pro Bowl weekend and met up with two former Cougar stars at a Super Bowl event.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah State Survives Laramie, Edges Out Wyoming Late