Utah State Men’s Basketball Prepares for Challenging Road Trip
Utah State’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for a tough stretch on the road as they face their first true away games of the 2025-26 season. The Aggies are set to travel east, first taking on South Florida in Tampa Bay on Thursday, before heading north to Charlotte, North Carolina, for a matchup on Sunday.
The team is coming off a hard-fought overtime win at home against Montana State, a game that exposed areas needing improvement despite the victory. Head coach Jerrod Calhoun emphasized the importance of self-evaluation and relying on the numbers to guide adjustments. “There are a lot of things on both sides of the ball we need to do better,” Calhoun said. He believes the team can learn from the Montana State experience and improve as they continue their season.
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South Florida, currently 4-4, is not a team to be underestimated. The Bulls have faced tough competition recently, including games against Oklahoma State, VCU, and Colorado State. They are known for their fast pace, averaging over 91 points per game, and frequently starting four-guard lineups. This style of play will challenge the Aggies’ defense, which must focus on staying set in the first crucial seconds of each possession. Aggie guard Mason Falslev noted that the team will need to communicate well, guard their assignments, and protect the ball to counter South Florida’s speed and firepower.
The Bulls have a well-rounded scoring attack, with five players averaging double figures. Guard Josh Omojafo leads the team at 15.3 points per game, supported by CJ Brown, Joseph Pinion, Wes Enis, and forward Izaiyah Nelson. Nelson, standing at 6-foot-10, provides strong rim protection with nearly a double-double average and significant shot-blocking ability. Coach Calhoun stressed that the Aggies will need to respect South Florida’s athleticism and be precise with their offensive execution.
On the Aggies’ side, four players are scoring in double digits, led by MJ Collins Jr. at 21.3 points per game. Falslev, Garry Clark, Kolby King, and Karson Templin round out the main scoring threats, while Clark leads the team in rebounds. Guard Drake Allen tops the team in assists and steals, highlighting the balance and versatility of the squad. Calhoun emphasized the importance of running effective offense, securing offensive rebounds, and minimizing turnovers to avoid giving South Florida easy scoring opportunities.
This road trip represents a key test for Utah State. Both games will challenge the Aggies’ preparation, focus, and resilience, but they also offer an opportunity to grow as a team and build momentum for the season. Success on the road could reinforce the Aggies’ undefeated record and set the tone for the challenges ahead.
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