UCSD travels to Utah State for one of the biggest games in program history – San Diego Union-Tribune

The UC San Diego men’s basketball team is 9-2 overall, 2-0 in Big West play and has won seven straight games, leading to one of the biggest games in program history.

Tuesday night at 6 p.m., the Tritons visit Utah State (10-0, 1-0 Mountain West) at wild Dee Glen Spectrum, knowing a win would send a message.

Coach Eric Olen’s team cruised to an 80-65 win at Idaho on Sunday, defeating LaSalle, James Madison and Toledo en route to winning the Boardwalk Battle tournament in Dayton Beach, Fla., in late November and holding a late lead over place 1. 23 San Diego State before losing 63-58 on November 6th.

The Tritons face one of their toughest challenges against the Aggies, who received votes in the AP and USA Today coaches’ polls, own a NET rating of 20 – 34 spots ahead of SDSU – and enjoy one of the best home environments in the country.

The 10-0 start is the best in program history.

First-year coach Jerrod Calhoun’s team earned an 88-67 home win over South Florida on Saturday, in which guard Mason Falslev had 27 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and three steals.

The Aggies are coming off quality wins over Iowa (8-3) and North Texas (6-3) and should push the Aztecs for the Mountain West regular-season title.

Utah State has one of the best backcourts in the country with Falslev (18.1 ppg) and Ian Martinez (17.4 ppg), ranks ninth nationally in offensive rating (87.6 ppg) and second in scoring margin ( plus-23).

“Utah State is one of the best teams in the country and we certainly have a lot of work to do,” Olen said. “I know our boys are excited about the challenge.”

UCSD rose three spots to No. 17 in the Mid-Major Top 25 poll.

The Tritons enjoy balanced scoring, with four players – Aniwania Tait-Jones, Tyler McGhie, Nordin Kapic and Hayden Gray – averaging 10 or more points per game. They rank 26th in points margin (plus-16) and provide a good fit for their opponents with an ever-changing defensive approach that combines man-to-man and zone concepts.

The game will be played at over 4,500 feet after the Aggies spent three straight games at home while the Tritons faced travel challenges.

The Tritons remained in Pullman, Wash., on Sunday night following a late afternoon win over Idaho in Moscow. They then flew from Lewiston, Idaho, to Salt Lake City on Monday before taking the two-hour bus ride to Logan.

Looking ahead, the Tritons must overcome teams like UC Irvine and UC Riverside to achieve their ultimate dream: winning the Big West Tournament title and securing the first NCAA Tournament bid in program history.

Regardless of the outcome, a game like Tuesday’s should provide valuable experience and a barometer of how the Tritons compare to a likely NCAA Tournament team.

Count Calhoun among those impressed by the Tritons and their prospects.

“I think they’re really good,” Calhoun said. “If they were to make the NCAA Tournament, they would be an absolute nightmare team because of their ability to play both sides of the ball… I think they’re the best team we’ve played so far.”

How to watch: Mountain West Network (themw.com)

USD update

USD (3-8) suffered its fourth straight loss on Saturday, losing 73-65 at Fresno State. The game included 11 lead changes. Kjay Bradley Jr. (San Diego City College) scored 15 of those team-high 17 points in the second half, and Steven Jamerson II had game-high rebounds.

Next: 6 p.m. Saturday against UC San Diego at Jenny Craig Pavilion. TV/Streaming: ESPN+

PLNU update

Point Loma Nazarene (10-3, 3-1 PacWest) is coming off a 68-65 loss at Concordia on Saturday. Zackry Paulsen scored a team-high 23 points for PLNU.

Next: 4:30 p.m. Saturday against Westcliff (2-3) at Golden Gymnasium. Streaming: pacwestnetwork.tv

Originally published: December 16, 2024 at 4:25 pm PST