The matchup in Logan

New Mexico State stayed tough throughout and took down Utah State 80-69 in Logan. The southern Aggies won both 20 minutes after leading 38-33 at the half.

Jason Groves, Matt Sonnenberg, Shawn Harrison, Tony Jones and Kraig Williams serve up reports.

Craig J. Roberts has posted 42 photos.

+++++

PTW caught the second half so here's our three dot lounge observations:

Zero northern Aggie free throws in the first half? That's not USU basketball ... Brockeith Pane wasn't present and accounted for near the end but we loved two of his second-half dribble-drive passes that led to layups ... Daniel Mullings is an offensive wing -- not a two, at least at this point ... Imagine Kyisean Reed in an uptempo system -- but also remember that playing in the Utah State offense is broadening his overall game, enhancing the so-called intangible part of a skills set ... PTW hasn't a clue as to how to teach balance but Hamidu Rahman could really benefit from honing his ... everyone in the building knows New Mexico State is going inside via passes or dribble-drives like 60% of the time but knowing it and defending it are quite different matters ... the southern Aggies played simply smarter and harder down the stretch ... last but certainly not least, Hernst Laroche could have stayed on the floor during the sequence where he fell while defending Preston Medlin near the conclusion but he rolled, bounded up, blocked the shot and then went the other way with the ball -- a most remarkable sequence