Deseret News | Utah State basketball: Aggies fall just short vs. Marquette in NCAA tourney

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Utah State basketball: Aggies fall just short vs. Marquette in NCAA tourney

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Re: Aggies @ 1:43 | 2:18 p.m. March 20, 2009

Dude, you seem pretty clueless. I read through all the comments and all I read were anti-BYU comments from other teams. For example, look at the first and third posts. The only posts from Cougar fans were defending their team from other anti-BYU posts.

18 of the first 36 | 2:25 p.m. March 20, 2009

comments reference BYU.

Utes and Aggies still obsessed with the Cougars!

All That Jazz? | 2:27 p.m. March 20, 2009

Stop fighting amongst yourselves! BYU, USU, Utes, all likely fans of the Utah Jazz and have cheered for them side by side for years. Try to find something in common, like your hatred for the Lakers and Spurs. ;)

Comments continue below

BYU fans | 2:34 p.m. March 20, 2009

Who cares!!! You will never, ever convince me that BYU is better than USU at anything ever! I don't understand why you insist on commenting after every game we play! I feel like USU had a great year and I am proud to say that I am associated with USU and the players and fans we have are the best in the world! 30-5 Go Aggies!!!

Amazing | 2:39 p.m. March 20, 2009

The temptation is just too great for BYU haters, they can't even bite their tongues after a USU game.

USU fans go ahead and RATIONALIZE your loss. Try to make yourselves feel better by comparing apples and oranges.

BYU BEAT YOU GUYS THIS YEAR.

Scott | 2:41 p.m. March 20, 2009

Agonizing loss but Hold your heads high. With the exception of Wilkinson, you have the same team coming back next year. You will dance again and hopefully get a better seed.

DMH | 2:52 p.m. March 20, 2009

I am a Ute fan and am looking forward to tonight's game, but I have to say that I really hoped that Utah State would have won their game this morning. They really do play with a lot of heart and since they also won the WAC title, they should have had a higher seed than BYU and played a lower seeded team in the first round. However, since that didn't happen, I am glad that they only lost by 1 point. It does show that there are teams in it to play their very best against whatever team they are playing. Utah plays with the same heart and I wish them the best!!!!

Loren | 2:54 p.m. March 20, 2009

Amen- Aggies Rock! Tough loss. Should've hit a few more shots in the beginning, but that's their mistake. Great season for the Aggies- and they ARE a much better team than the Cougars, and managed to hand the Utes a loss this year. BYU had a sad showing in the tournament, and now all of us Aggies have to go home sad too. Tough, tough, tough. One day Utah State will have their day.

Great job Aggies and Stew Morrill. We think you're the best!

Let's hope Utah fares better!

Bracketology 101 | 2:54 p.m. March 20, 2009

Better tournament record? Huh? As I recall, USU has only one tourney win in the last 20 years. Same with BYU. They might have a better winning percentage in the tourney, but that's simply because BYU HAS BEEN TO THE TOURNEY TWICE AS MUCH AS THE AGGIES. Don't fool yourself into thinking that they are the better team, when BYU won on a neutral floor, was champ in a harder conference, and had a better seed in the tourney. Talk to the A&M coach, and he said his team played their best game all year long. Talk to the Marquette coach, and he'll say the opposite. Teams have ups and downs. Nothing more than that.

With that being said, it was a close game that I wish the Ags had won. They showed heart and grit down the stretch, and I wish the cougs showed that same desire in the tourney. The Ags get up for big games, but that doesn't mean they are the better team. That was already decided on a neutral floor back in December.

Angry Cougs | 2:57 p.m. March 20, 2009

A whole bunch of angry cougar fans out there. They're grasping at air trying to legitimize their sports program. Over the last 24 hrs I've hear a whole bunch of garbage spewing forth. Arguments such as BYU having the better graduation rate to getting better jobs after graduation and most annoying how more well behaved and sober they are.

You know what Cougs, you may be sober, you may graduate a higher percentage of your athletes but the fact is you CANT get it done in the post season and that's what sports fans care about.

What I can see of the Aggies is a team that is on the rise nationally. They won 30 games this season, have made 10 consecutive post-season appearances, and have won 23 or more games over the last 10 years. The momentum is on the up for USU. The post season will start clicking for them to as their program rises to the next level.

Fire Rose, Hire Stu | 2:59 p.m. March 20, 2009

The Cougs should hire coach Morrill. His native home is Provo I'm sure he'd love to come home if given the chance. Rose is a good coach no doubt, but I honestly believe Coach Morrill would have taken these same group of players at BYU past the 1st round and maybe beyond.

Hey Randall | 3:00 p.m. March 20, 2009

be careful what you say. Utah state lost today but they played a heck of a game. (at least we where able to watch it to the end). I'm guessing your a ute fan. Good luck today. As far as the seedings go, just look at BYU clearly over rated. Didn't they kill you guys not far back? I'm not going to say much more than that, just remember at a 5 seed you are expected to win. I guess we'll see what happens. Once again good luck.

As for you morons on here complaining about the fans, this is basketball not church. Those fans helped the aggies with there 30 win season. who cares what the other team thinks. that's the reason why they do it, to get in the other teams head. Utah State is lucky to have the fans they do.

Congrats on a great season Aggies, Utah, and even those kittys.

Big East | 3:00 p.m. March 20, 2009

Maybe Coach should have worked a little harder with his team rather than worrying about the Big East representiving at the tourney. Maybe that little bit would have made that little difference in a 1-point game the WAC hamps lost to a crappy Big East team. Oh well, I guess Utah State, if they played in the Big East, would have a record of 17-14. Coach M should keep his mouth shut.

USU #1 | 3:04 p.m. March 20, 2009

Utah state still #1 in my book in the state.... They will do the best. Yewtzzz will lose and byu got killed!!!!

to "J" | 3:05 p.m. March 20, 2009

I am at taco bell arena now. Aggie fans were not bad sports at all. I saw exactly zero middle fingers and I'm in the student section. Marquette fans were amazing sports, but so were the usu ones. The worst we did was the you suck chant when somebody fouled.

Moral victory | 3:13 p.m. March 20, 2009

Congrats Aggies on yet another 'Moral victory'

You can now look forward to some moral victories in football. Maybe keeping a game vs. Utah w/in 4 TDs and count it as a moral victory... HURRAYYY... Combine 4-5 moral victories with the annual victory over Louisiana Tech and NMSU and you are going to have a 6 win season. Congrats.

BYU fans on here, you are lame as well. Nothing worse than BYU fans complimenting USU, they hate you guys and you are coming on here to tell them they fought hard. GET REAL they LOST just like you. By telling them they did so well, you are just exacerbating the problem. You are both losers. Sit back and watch the ONLY TRUE UTAH TEAM ROLL TONIGHT

RE: J | 3:14 p.m. March 20, 2009

Your friend must be really confused if he hates Mormons because of some (alleged) rowdy behavior from USU fans. USU is a STATE school. It is not affiliated with the church AT ALL. In fact, the only people in the state who seem to confuse religion and sports are BYU fans. How about instead of joining in on your friend's hatred you take the opportunity to explain things? Or are you just looking for an excuse to hate? Get off your high horse, because in the end you are no better than the USU fans that you hate.

Re: From a Cougar | 1:34 p.m. | 3:24 p.m. March 20, 2009

Difference is, the Aggies represented the state well, BYU was a shameful representative for the MWC.

Well done, Utah State!

Thanks for nothn' BYU!

Anti BYU? | 3:24 p.m. March 20, 2009

Actually the very first negative post was by a Byu fan with a post name of Cougs Rock. He said that BYU is still better than Utah State. Thats why all the others started ragging on BYU. This board is heavily monitored, though, and that post, along with a post I made in reply to that one, was deleted. So If cougar fans want people to lay off of them, get your own people to stop going to other schools comment boards and making jackasses of them selves.

MiP | 3:26 p.m. March 20, 2009

Tough loss Aggies.

But a loss is a loss in the tourney. The only teams that can claim "moral" victories are the 15 and 16 seeds. As an 11 seed, and 30 game winner, champion of their conference, and even being ahead in this game in the second half...no moral victory. Just a loss.

Better luck next year, Aggies. Ya'll do deserve some success in the tourney.

88USUAggie | 3:41 p.m. March 20, 2009

Good game? A loss is a loss. The team was stage struck...they played horribly the first half. Stew needs to schedule games (4 for 1 who cares) that prepare the guys mentally for the pressure of a big game. They definitely showed guts, poise, and coaching accumen in the second half...but had they played a full 40 mins, this would have (and should have) been a blow-out. The thing that stinks is that the WAC has turned into a one big league...and repeating next year will be tough.

Re: Moral victory | 3:49 p.m. March 20, 2009

Ha Ha. you bring up football when everybody is talking about basketball. Let's look at the record that "THE ONLY TRUE UTAH TEAM" has with USU and BYU. I believe it is 2 losses to 1 victory. Just so you know that is a losing record. I just hope you don't "ROLL" over like BYU did.

Granted you did have a heck of a season in football, but then you had to discrase the state of utah by all that nonsense with the senate. Instead of ending your season on a good note you had to put a bitter taste in peoples mouth because you think your better than everybody. If I was the BCS I would never invite any none BCS school, to a BCS bowl game just because of that. Way to represent the state "ONLY TRUE UTAH TEAM."

Duh | 3:58 p.m. March 20, 2009

Well, there you go, two teams one and done. USU did have a good run, too bad they lost.

re: 3:49 3/20/09 | 4:06 p.m. March 20, 2009

If you are going to bash at least come off as intelligent. How can you misspell disgrace? Oh my! I am not embarrassed by what Utah did. I'm more embarrassed of what the Alabama coach said prior to the bowl game.... Talk about giving fuel to a team that already needs little motivation to go out and kick some butt... BYU fans are incredibly bitter that Utah has done since 2000 what their team has never done... Completed two 0 loss seasons! BYU has had chance after chance to do so and stumbled in either SL or Provo to have no better than 1 loss... As for the BCS... They can continue to dog on the non-bcs conferences all they want. Truth is that they will never have a true champion as long as they are snubbing the one or two 0 loss teams from consideration. The BCS champion 09 is no more the champion than Switzer thought BYU was in 1984... Funny that we are talking football in march! But.... You brought it up!

BYU Fan... | 4:06 p.m. March 20, 2009

At least the Aggies showed up for the game.

What surprises me is the arrogant pute fans. If you lose with a 5 seed tonight you will be the laughing stock of not just Utah, but all of America.

Might be a good time to shut your traps and pray! You might need more than luck this time!

RE Fire rose | 4:08 p.m. March 20, 2009

You think the zoobs haven't already tried to get thier grubby little paws on Stew? Hahaha- Why would anyone want to leave USU and go coach a bunch of pansies in hell? I don't know either... Plus you guys are too worried about scheduling big name schools and losing to all of them. Better luck with your next coach, maybe this time he can teach a little toughness.

RE:Anti BYU? | 4:13 p.m. March 20, 2009

Actually that post by Cougs rock was in a completely different thread and it looks like the whole thread was deleted, but actually in that thread the 1st negative post was by a USU fan and he said that USU was down at halftime and looked even slower and more unathletic than BYU. See everybody wants to take a shot at BYU even a day after the fact.

NU aggie | 4:14 p.m. March 20, 2009

by--booo. and yewts are not the best team in the state U-state is.....

Sweet Rebuilding Year | 4:25 p.m. March 20, 2009

Wasn't too confident about USU at the start of this year after losing Jaycee. Turned out to be an amazing ride. Well done Stew!

We will miss Wilkinson next year, but everyone else will be back. Sign up for your season tickets because I can guarantee that the Aggies will be even better next year.

Go Big Blue!!!

Priceless | 4:29 p.m. March 20, 2009

Reading Aggie fan "Glouting" over a loss to BYU fans, is absolutley priceless!

Keep in mind.... | 4:32 p.m. March 20, 2009

Keep in mind aggie faithful that most RPI top 100 teams in the nation would have had an identical record with that same weak schedule.

Keep it in perspective.

Re: Bracketology 101 | 4:35 p.m. March 20, 2009

"That was already decided on a neutral floor back in December" - no it wasn't. They may have been better that game but that does not mean they are a better team for the whole season. What does seeding have to do with it? Look what BYU did with that seed. This was the highest that USSU has been seeded in a long time. Last time they lost to Washington and they time before that they lost to Kansas by 1 point and did beat Ohio State all from 12 or lower seeds. What has BYU done with the 8 and 9 seeds they've been given. Nothing! They get recognition because they are well know for the football program. If USU had been given the same breaks and gotten 8 and 9 seeds I'm sure they would have won at least one.

Anonymous | 4:55 p.m. March 20, 2009

funny how everybody bashes BYU and then rags on BYU fans for commenting on USU! For those of you who say USU has a better NCAA record, let's look at that: USU 6-19, BYU 11-27. For all you math majors out there, that gives USU an NCAA winning percentage of .24 and BYU .289. Now both are pathetic, but where I come from 29% is better than 24%.

If you go 5-8 in your next NCAA games which would be a vast improvement over your recent record, the two would be the same. Or if you could just win a five consecutive first round games you record would be much better. Too bad at your current rate of a NCAA appearance every three years, that would take 15 years to accomplish.

Please, USU fans get your facts straight before you post. And one more thing: if a one point loss was worth more than a 13 point loss you would still be playing Saturday. Unless that's your measure of success, moral victories.

Anonymous | 4:56 p.m. March 20, 2009

Intelligents? You base that coment on the fact that I misspelled disgrace? Couldn't you think of anything else to pick apart? YOUR TALKING ABOUT BYU FOOTBALL ON A USU BASKETBALL BOARD. AND YOU BROUGHT UP FOOTBALL. It makes sense that you wouldn't be embarraced considering you are an ignorant utah fan. however i know more than a few people who are. please informe me what word i misspelled now?

roger | 4:59 p.m. March 20, 2009

Congrats on a great year. Ags looked pretty good out there. Good luck next year!

One more thing | 5:00 p.m. March 20, 2009

About Marquette being a much better team than A&M: Maybe before they lost their senior starting point gaurd who was 2nd team all Big East last year and lost 5 of their last 7 games.

O wow | 5:00 p.m. March 20, 2009

i watched this game and wow so close aggies! but heck of a season huh?

Shut Up about BYU | 5:27 p.m. March 20, 2009

This is terrible, the game had nothing to do with BYU I'm just sad we lost. But still proud to be an Aggie

Anonymous | 5:34 p.m. March 20, 2009

Alright, this is ridiculous. From now on I am just going to have to subtract 10 points from all Utah teams going into the NCAA tourney!

What is with the Utah teams? What a bunch of losers!

Re: Anonymous | 4:55 p.m. March | 5:35 p.m. March 20, 2009

If it makes you feel better you can tell yourself 1 point loss is the same as a 13 point loss. oh yeah we where supposed to lose, you where supposed to win. If you noticed after BYU lost their game everybody, mainly BYU fans, where all saying that they should fire Dave Rose, and that they sucked. Now if you notice USU, some Utah, and some BYU fans are saying what a great job the aggies did this year.

Of corse their is going to be some bitter fans down south trying to belittle the aggies but for the most part it's positive. That's the difference between a 1 point loss and a 13 point loss. so I guess you could say it is a "moral victory".

I'll take that over looking absolutly foolish on the nation stage. In football, and basketball.

TheHailstorm | 5:38 p.m. March 20, 2009

Verry nice performance. I was soooo happy to see your team fight it out. It looks like your team was well prepared and that you scrapped and scraped all the way. Your team did the state of Utah proud.
Thank You USU !

Re: 3:49 3/20/09 4:06 | 6:11 p.m. March 20, 2009

"BYU fans are incredibly bitter that Utah has done since 2000 what their team has never done."

As a Cougar fan I am fine with what Utah has done since 2000. Cheered for them when they beat "Bama" and will cheer for them when they play anyone but BYU. My daughter graduated from USU and have gone to several games the past few years and always want them to win.

I met the UTE basketball coach at a summer camp last year. Really impressed with his enthusiasm. Like I said, will alway cheer for all the teams in State, but if the Utes loose it shuts the Ute fans up. The Ute fans that spew forth their venom on this site are the most classless people I meet in sports. That is saying alot since I am a Utah State High School official.

Opportunity wasted | 6:19 p.m. March 20, 2009

I am amazed at how many people are looking at this as a "moral victory". Where I come from you play to win, not to come close. Maybe the Utah mentality is different, but I don't get it.

Congratulations for a fine season, but nobody wants to go out in the first round, nor should fans be satisfied with it. It isn't going to get any easier in years to come, so this was an opportunity wasted.

Anonymous | 6:23 p.m. March 20, 2009

Even if byu football looks bad on a national stage, it has done something usu football will never do: Be on a national stage! Glad your hometown qb realized what a fruitless endeavor playing for the ags is.

re: J | 6:53 p.m. March 20, 2009

Can you say troll? I was also at the game and witnessed nothing offensive. It was a good game and fans from all 4 schools, in the 1st Boise session, were classy. The Aggies had a great year, 30-5, lost by 1 point to a top 25 team from the Big East, and return all but one player. Gary Wilkinson will be greatly missed, but somehow Stew & the Aggies will be successful. Thanks for the great season and best of luck next year. I'm one Aggie fan that will keep pulling for a great USU basketball team!

Aggies fans21 | 7:12 p.m. March 20, 2009

I looked at Marquettes schedule and according to the schedule they only lost to UCONN by 11 but it looks like it was a close game, they also lost to syracuse so in my opinion i think the aggies fought hard against a big east powerhouse team. Also Utah is loosing by a non-powerhouse team.

Re:Anonymous | 6:23 p.m. | 7:26 p.m. March 20, 2009

Actually Utah State has been in the top 20 plenty of times. 'Course, its been 25+ years. And we don't care about the said quarterback who left for the TDS, we don't need him. We've got Diondre Borel and Jeff Manning(#46 high school quarterback in the nation and best in the state). BYU can have him. I hope he can learn to deal with mediocrity.

Big Al | 7:38 p.m. March 20, 2009

After a heart breaking loss the Aggies still had a better game than both B.Y.U. & Utah.Both teams who loss by double digits. To me there is no better team in the state of Utah than Utah State

Colo. Aggie | 7:45 p.m. March 20, 2009

I was really proud of how the Aggies came back in the 2nd half. I love the toughness and heart of this team. It has been a terrific season. If we could have started better, this was a W. I do agree with some of the others that USU needs to schedule a couple of 2 for 1s or even a 3 for 1 to see this type of speed and athleticism during the season. It's time for USU to bump it up a level to where we can win on the big stage. We compete well against the MWC and in the WAC. But, it's time to start winning beyond our conference. Please Stew let's improve that schedule. With that said, this was a terrific season. Congratulations to Stew and the team. You did your school and state proud today!!! Now, lets start to see some of this heart in our football team.

Anonymous | 6:23 p.m. March 20, | 8:03 p.m. March 20, 2009

Again with the BYU football team. Who cares. We're talking about basketball.

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Utah State's Tai Wesley shows emotion after he fouls out of the game against Marquette in the NCAA Tournament at Taco Bell Arena in Boise on Friday. The Aggies fell in the first round, 58-57.

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Utah State basketball: Aggies fall just short vs. Marquette in NCAA tourney

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Utah State basketball: Aggies fall just short vs. Marquette in NCAA tourney