Utah State basketball: Aggies hope to avoid upset

BOISE — About 12 months ago in the same arena, the tables were turned.

Boise State — just like the No. 21 Utah State they host tonight — had clinched a share of the Western Athletic Conference title and the Broncos administration was pulling out all the stops to celebrate.

The Aggies, however, played the perfect spoiler and throttled the Broncos 88-69 to create a 4-way tie atop the WAC standings.

Tonight, Utah State hopes to avoid a similar situation.

Of course, USU coach Stew Morrill says he's not worried about championship banners, rankings or win streaks. He says he's aware of those things but can't afford to dwell on them.

"That's all good stuff," Morrill said. "It's all good stuff ahead if you keep playing."

The Aggies, often in less-than-spectacular fashion, have pushed their win streak to 19.

The Broncos will be more than happy to put an end to any celebration plans Utah State — or its fans — have. After an 88-82 loss at last-place Fresno State on Monday, Boise State has been home resting and preparing for tonight's 7 o'clock tipoff.

Utah State has frequently deflected questions about its winning streak, the national rankings and the possibility of wrapping up the WAC title with four games left to play.

"We have to stay grounded and focused and play Aggie basketball," Utah State senior Gary Wilkinson said. "We can't worry about what might happen."

Boise State is a young team but tough to beat at home. The Broncos are 11-1 at Taco Bell Arena and have not lost at home since a 79-76 loss to San Francisco in December.

Despite that and a trip to the NCAA tournament, though, BSU has not seen a ground-swell of support at the ticket office. Averaging just 3,032 fans at home, the Broncos are using an autograph signing party with their football team to try and attract a crowd on what might be a busy Valentine's Day.

Forward Mark Sanchez is leading BSU with 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while Paul Noonen and Kurt Cunningham are adding 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The balanced Broncos have eight players averaging 5.7 points or better but no clear-cut leader on the team. Similarly, Utah State frequently has one player or another step up offensively.

Wilkinson leads the way with 17.3 points while Tai Wesley and Jared Quayle both score 12.5 and Tyler Newbold adds 10.

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com

Aggies on the air

No. 21 Utah State (24-1, 12-0 WAC) at Boise State (16-7, 6-4)

Taco Bell Arena, Boise

Tonight, 7 p.m.

TV: KJZZ

Radio: 1230 AM, 610 AM, 95.9 FM