LOGAN, Utah (Interstat) — Utah State edged Illinois State 83-78 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Behnken Field House. The Aggies improved to 9-1, while the Redbirds fell to 8-3. Utah State led 40-33 at halftime and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the second half. Illinois State’s Ty Pence led all scorers with 21 points. Utah State’s balanced attack featured 20 points from MJ Collins and 18 from Garry Clark. The Aggies dominated inside, outscoring the Redbirds 50-40 in the paint. Utah State also converted 26 points off turnovers. Attendance was 2,539.

SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless pressure and second-chance opportunities, the Utah State Aggies outlasted the Illinois State Redbirds 83-78 in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Saturday night at Behnken Field House. The Aggies, improving to 9-1, leveraged a dominant performance on the offensive glass and a more efficient offensive night to overcome a spirited effort from the Redbirds, who fell to 8-3. Utah State hauled in 18 offensive rebounds, leading to crucial extra possessions and a 50-40 advantage in points in the paint, which proved decisive in the five-point victory. Illinois State guard Ty Pence led all scorers with 21 points, but Utah State countered with a balanced and potent attack. Forward Garry Clark posted 18 points and was a central figure in the rebounding effort, while guards MJ Collins and Mason Falslev added 20 and 16 points, respectively. Falslev also contributed four assists and four steals. The game’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final minutes as Utah State successfully protected a narrowing lead. After Illinois State’s Landon Moore converted a driving layup to cut the deficit to 78-76 with just five seconds remaining, the Redbirds were forced to foul. Collins was sent to the line for Utah State and calmly sank both free throws with three seconds left, pushing the lead back to four points and effectively sealing the outcome. An Illinois State turnover on the ensuing inbounds pass ended any last hope. The contest was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. Utah State scored its 83 points on 66 possessions, translating to an offensive rating of 125.5. Illinois State, while shooting a higher percentage from the field at 58.8%, managed 78 points on 68 possessions for a 115.4 offensive rating. The Aggies’ ability to create more scoring chances, largely through their 18-7 edge in offensive rebounds, offset the Redbirds’ superior shooting percentage. Utah State built its foundation in the first half, taking a 40-33 lead into the break. The Aggies’ interior presence and activity, particularly from Clark, generated multiple put-back chances. Illinois State fought back in the second half, scoring 45 points, but could never fully close the gap. The Redbirds were led by Pence’s 21, with Moore adding 14 off the bench and Johnny Kinziger contributing 13 points and five assists. Both teams struggled with ball security, committing 16 turnovers apiece. Utah State was slightly more effective at capitalizing, scoring 26 points off turnovers compared to Illinois State’s 20. The Aggies also edged the Redbirds in fast-break points, 16-18. The game, attended by 2,539 fans, saw Utah State outperform its pregame expectations as a 9-point favorite while the combined score of 161 points went over the posted total of 149.5. The Aggies’ win probability was listed at 84.3% by National Statistical’s ELO system entering the contest. Illinois State will look to rebound as it opens Missouri Valley Conference play on the road at Southern Illinois on Thursday. Utah State, now riding a two-game winning streak, returns to action next Saturday to host Colorado State in its Mountain West Conference opener.

SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — A pair of surging men’s basketball teams will meet Saturday when the Utah State Aggies host the Illinois State Redbirds at Behnken Field House. Both teams enter the nonconference clash with strong early-season records. Utah State (8-1) has won seven of its last eight, including a dominant 79-53 road victory at Charlotte on Dec. 7. The Aggies’ lone loss came at South Florida, 74-61, on Dec. 4. Illinois State (8-2) carries a six-game winning streak into Salt Lake City, most recently routing Chicago State 95-53 at home on Dec. 6. The Redbirds’ two losses came on the road at Southern California and Ohio. A key matchup will feature dynamic guards Chase Walker of Illinois State and Utah State’s Mason Falslev. Walker, a catalyst for the Redbirds, is coming off a 12-point, 9-assist performance against Chicago State and has scored in double figures in four of his last six games. He averages 12.1 points and 4.4 assists per game. Falslev paces the Aggies’ attack, averaging 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He is coming off one of his best performances of the season, scoring 22 points with five rebounds and six assists in the win at Charlotte. Utah State has showcased a potent offense, scoring 94 or more points in three games this season. Illinois State has also displayed high-scoring capability, topping 89 points four times during its current win streak. The game marks the final nonconference tune-up for both programs before league play intensifies. Illinois State begins Missouri Valley Conference action next week at Southern Illinois, while Utah State opens Mountain West Conference play at home against Colorado State on Dec. 20. Saturday’s tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.