How to watch Utah State basketball vs. San Diego State: TV channel, time

When Utah State point guard Drake Allen left his team’s game against UC San Diego a week and a half ago, the Aggies were worried.

There were fears Allen could miss four to six weeks with his shoulder injury.

But the Aggies could be opening a belated Christmas present this weekend.

Allen practiced with the team again this week and will be a game-time decision when Utah State visits No. 20 San Diego State on Saturday, head coach Jerrod Calhoun said.

“He made a great comeback, really good seven to ten days,” said the coach.

The Aggies could certainly use the senior’s leadership against the 8-2 Aztecs at Viejas Arena.

“It’s an honor for him. He worked. He’s been in his building for 24 hours,” Calhoun said. “At Christmas, I also heard complaints from his wife that he was not coming out of his room and doing exercises to get fit.

“That’s the kind of kid, Drake, and hopefully he’s ready to go.”

Like Allen, the Aggies appear to have overcome the negative impact of their meeting with UC San Diego. USU followed that surprising loss with a big road win against Saint Mary’s last weekend.

USU is 11-1 entering Mountain West Conference play.

“Shoulda, coulda, woulda in a game. But at the end of the day, you can’t get it back,” Calhoun said. “Our guys didn’t sulk and sulk. They went on the road and beat a really good St. Mary’s team.”

Add to that wins over St. Bonaventure and Iowa in non-conference play, and Utah State is currently ranked 29th in the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings.

“I’m excited to see where we are,” Calhoun said. “I told the boys I would give them an A (for their pre-season). … With a whole new group, this is a top achievement for me.”

But San Diego State would give the Aggies their toughest test yet. Senior guard Nick Boyd, who helped Florida Atlantic to a Final Four appearance last season, now leads San Diego State with an average of 13.4 points per game.

“This will be a good test for us,” Calhoun said. “We just went out and did it, and now we have to do it in conference. We have to be ready.”

Here’s how to watch

Utah State at No. 20 San Diego State

At the Viejas Arena

Saturday, 4 p.m

TV: Fox