Utah State basketball: Tyler Newbold breaks slump to lead Aggies

Aggies vs. Roadrunners boxscore

LOGAN — Tyler Newbold had his breakout game offensively for Utah State as the Aggies (7-2) dominated Cal State Bakersfield, 77-58, Saturday night at the Smith Spectrum.

Newbold, the senior from Payson, had 18 points to lead all scorers. Most importantly, he broke out of a season-long shooting slump, hitting 6-of-9 shots.

"I obviously shot the ball well tonight," Newbold said. "Snapped out of a little funk I was in. I've been working hard and shooting a lot of extra shots in the gym to try and get my shot to fall and help out the team that way. I was able to do that tonight. Feels great."

Newbold had made just 8-of-33 attempts in eight games to start the season.

"Once you hit one, you break the seal on the basket I guess," Newbold said. "After that I just continued to shoot when I was open and they fell tonight.

The shots were not falling for most everyone else, and the Aggies took advantage by crashing the boards. Utah State finished with 55 rebounds, the most ever for a Stew Morrill-coached USU team.

Three Aggies finished in double figures in the rebounding department for the first time since 1998. Nate Bendall had 14 rebounds, Tai Wesley had 12 and Brady Jardine chipped in with 11.

"I'm feeling more comfortable with the game overall," Bendall said about working his way back into the lineup after missing time with a foot injury. "I'm just trying to get my conditioning back, and get back and learn the ropes."

It was by far Bendall's best game of the season. He had 13 points to go along with his 14 rebounds, nearly doubling his season-long output in both categories. It was Bendall's first double-double since Jan. 30 of last season.

"It's always nice when the ball bounces your way," Bendall said about his rebounding total. "I'm just trying to be a team player and contribute anyway I can."

The resurgence of Bendall and Newbold is a welcome sight for the Aggies.

Both were key contributors to last season's WAC championship team and have struggled to get things going so far this season.

"There were some positives," Morrill said after the game.

"Nate Bendall had a good game. Tyler Newbold made some shots. There are always some good things."