ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Interstat) — Utah State dominated New Mexico 86-66 in a Mountain West men’s basketball game Wednesday night at The Pit. The Aggies broke open a tight contest after halftime, outscoring the Lobos 50-33 in the second half. Mason Falslev led Utah State with 19 points. Tomislav Buljan scored 17 for New Mexico. The Aggies shot 50% from the field and forced 14 turnovers, improving to 19-3. New Mexico, which shot just 3 for 13 from 3-point range, fell to 18-5. A crowd of 14,419 watched as Utah State secured a key conference road victory.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Interstat) — In a pivotal Mountain West Conference showdown that defied pregame expectations, Utah State delivered a commanding road performance, dismantling New Mexico 86-66 on Wednesday night at a sold-out Pit. The Aggies, entering as slight underdogs, seized control with a dominant second half, outscoring the Lobos 50-33 after the break to turn a tight three-point halftime lead into a 20-point rout before an announced crowd of 14,419. Utah State’s victory was built on stifling defense and efficient offense. The Aggies held New Mexico to a frigid 3-for-13 shooting from 3-point range while forcing 14 turnovers, which they converted into transition opportunities. Offensively, Utah State shot 50% from the field and posted an offensive rating of 118.7 points per 100 possessions, a stark contrast to New Mexico’s 91.3 rating. The game’s most critical sequence came early in the second half, effectively extinguishing any hope of a New Mexico rally. Leading 36-33 at halftime, Utah State opened the second period on a decisive 15-5 run over the first five minutes. The surge was fueled by Mason Falslev, who scored on a floating jumper, and Adlan Elamin, who buried a 3-pointer off an offensive rebound. The run pushed the Aggies’ lead to 51-38, forcing a New Mexico timeout as the raucous home crowd was silenced. New Mexico never recovered. The Lobos, who shot just 41.2% overall, could not string together consecutive scoring possessions against a disciplined Utah State defense. Every attempt by New Mexico to cut into the deficit was met with an immediate Aggie response, often from Falslev or forward Karson Templin. Falslev led all scorers with 19 points in just 27 minutes, showcasing efficient offense. Templin provided a major spark off the bench with 12 points, while MJ Collins added 14 points and Drake Allen contributed nine points and four assists. The Aggies’ depth was evident as their bench outscored New Mexico’s reserves. For New Mexico, Tomislav Buljan battled inside for 17 points, but the Lobos’ backcourt struggled. Uriah Tenette scored 10 points and Tajavis Miller added 11, but the team’s six total assists underscored a stagnant offensive night against Utah State’s active, switching defense. The win improved Utah State’s record to 19-3 overall and solidified its position atop the Mountain West standings. The Aggies have now won three straight conference games, including a key home victory over San Diego State last weekend. New Mexico, which had won five of its last six, fell to 18-5. The statistical profile of the game highlighted Utah State’s comprehensive control. The Aggies won the rebounding battle, committed fewer turnovers, and recorded nine steals. Their ability to score both inside, with 36 points in the paint, and from the perimeter, with 11 made 3-pointers, kept the New Mexico defense off balance throughout the night. Looking ahead, Utah State travels to face Wyoming on Saturday, aiming to extend its winning streak. New Mexico will look to regroup at home against Boise State, also on Saturday. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in the regular-season finale on March 7 in Logan, Utah.

Preview: Utah State at New Mexico ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Interstat) — A pivotal Mountain West clash with conference title implications is set for Wednesday night when Utah State visits New Mexico at The Pit. The Aggies (18-3, 8-1 MW) and Lobos (18-4, 7-2) enter separated by just one game in the loss column. Utah State sits atop the league standings, while New Mexico looks to close the gap and avenge a regular-season sweep last year. Utah State arrives on a three-game winning streak, most recently holding off San Diego State 71-66 on Saturday. Forward Karson Templin led the way with 18 points and seven rebounds. The sophomore has scored in double figures in six of his last eight games, providing consistent interior production. New Mexico counters with its own high-scoring forward in Jake Hall. The junior is coming off a 27-point performance in a 90-80 road win at San Jose State and has averaged 19.8 points over his last six contests. His offensive versatility will test the Aggies’ defense. The Lobos have won five of their last six, with their only stumble in that span an 83-79 loss at San Diego State. They have been dominant at home, where they are 11-1 this season. The famed altitude and noise of The Pit present a formidable challenge for visitors. Utah State, however, has proven resilient on the road, boasting a 7-2 record away from Logan. Their balanced attack, which features four players averaging double figures, will need to withstand New Mexico’s pressure and transition game. This matchup is the first of a home-and-home series to close the regular season, with the rematch scheduled for March 7 in Utah. Wednesday’s winner gains a critical head-to-head tiebreaker and momentum for the stretch run. The game is scheduled for a 9 p.m. EST tipoff and will be televised on CBS Sports Network.