Junior Nate Harris, has been steady at 13.6 points a game, but is averaging nearly three rebounds less than he did last year. Junior Cass Matheus is still trying to figure out his place but has been playing well as of late. Senior Ian McVey has played just 42 minutes.

BENCH — B

The bench is contributing close to 22 points a game, led by Crane's 6.8 and Matheus' 5.3. Matheus has been the most consistent, while Brown is getting better at running the team. When Huber, Williams and Crane are fully healthy, the bench will be considerably deeper.

FIRST-HALF MVP

SPENCER NELSON, FORWARD: The 6-foot-8 senior forward leads the team in scoring (15.6) assists (5.0) and rebounds (8.7). This year he's recorded four double-doubles and has scored in double figures in eight straight games

STATISTICAL LEADERS

POINTS PER GAME: Spencer Nelson (15.6)

REBOUNDS PER GAME: Spencer Nelson (8.7)

FG SHOOTING: Nate Harris (.667)

3-POINT SHOOTING: Jaycee Carroll (.432)

FT SHOOTING: Nate Harris (.829)

STEALS: Jaycee Carroll (14)

BLOCKS: Nate Harris (5)

ASSISTS: Spencer Nelson (45)

FOR UTAH STATE TO CONTEND . . .

When winning or sharing the Big West regular-season title in 2000 (16-0), 2002 (13-5) and 2004 (17-1), the Aggies lost only five games on the road. They always play well at home, so winning on the road is the key. Had they beat Pacific in Stockton, Calif., last year, the Aggies would have run the table in conference play.