Aggieville: USU Sports

Very sorry about the lack of posts today. Per NCAA regulations, I wasn't able to live blog during the game and I had a mountain of copy to file following the game. So make sure to read the paper tomorrow. 

On to the game. 

The most disappointing thing about this loss is that I think the Utah State team that made shots would've made this a very competitive game. I think a lot of this Utah State team, and I just don't believe that USU gets blown out like this if they are playing well. 

I thought the Aggies were tight. 

I thought the Aggies were tentative. 

I thought the Aggies played very aware of the stage they were on. 

The higher seed is supposed to be pressurized team, and I was shocked that Utah State played like it had an Elephant on its back. 

That being said, this team will be back next season, and I think it will be better. I also think New Mexico State has realized how to play basketball and that the Southern Aggies will be very very good next season. So while the WAC as a whole will be down, New Mexico State, Utah State and possibly Nevada if it keeps Babbitt and Armon Johnson will be clearly heads and shoulders above the remainder of the league. 

Utah State really should've played much better in this game. The fact that the Aggies didn't disappoints many. But maybe it's a wake up call for the rest of the program. When you get to this level, you have to be playing elite basketball. If you aren't you're going home. It's as simple as that. 

I also think Utah State's bubble next season will be much thinner than this season, and its because of this performance. Facing facts, this was one of the least competitive first round games that didn't involve a 15 or a 16 seed. And with plenty of people questioning the Aggies inclusion as an at-large team, this performance can't help matters with the NCAA Selection Committee. So next season, seven losses won't do it if Utah State wants an at-large bid. But the feeling here is that the Aggies are going to bring it next season. 

Tony Jones

USU looks noticeably tight. All except for Jared Quayle, who has all five points. The good news? Texas A&M hasn't taken advantage and maybe that bodes well for Utah State once this game matures. Tai Wesley has a quick foul, as does Bryan Davis from the other side. Good competitive start to this game, thus far. 

Tony Jones

If the mood was a little big eyed, bushy tailed and nervous last year in Boise, the mood is completely different today in Spokane. 

Indeed, Utah State seems to have much more of a purpose this season. They know what to expect. They've been through the routine of the NCAA tournament and they hope that carries over to the game tomorrow against Texas A&M. 

"We're excited to be here," USU guard Jared Quayle said. "We hope there's no pressure. Everyone's excited, and everyone's ready to come out and play."

The contrast between USU and Texas A&M was remarkable. The Northern Aggies were serious, business-like. The Southern Aggies were loose and trying to perfect the art of taking shots from half-court that bounced once and then went through the basket. It remains to be seen which team wins, but there is clearly a difference in pre-game attitude if today's media session is any indicator. 

Tony Jones

Good morning, Aggieville, 

http://www.sltrib.com/usuaggies/ci_14688225

Tony Jones

More than perhaps Tai Wesley, or Jared Quayle, Pooh Williams and Tyler Newbold are the keys to Utah State's ability to play against Texas A&M. 

Not only can they go without making shots, as they did against New Mexico State. They have, Williams to start and then Newbold, the task of playing against Donald Sloan. 

Sloan is one of the best players in the Big 12, fast, strong, athletic, can really get to the basket and can really score the basketball. 

Sloan, I suspect, is going to get his 20 points regardless. He's too good and he will have the ball in his hands way too much for that not to occur. They key to defending Texas A&M lies in two things. 

1) You can't let Sloan, who has plenty of tournament experience, take over the game. He can't go on prolonged scoring binges and can't be allowed to take over at key junctures. 

2) His supporting cast sorely needs to be held in check. Bryan Davis is one of the best big men in the conference, a monster on the boards and good in the paint. 

But the key is Sloan. Which makes Utah State's key Pooh Williams. 

"If there was a defensive player of the year in the conference, Pooh would definitely be it," Stew Morrill said. 

Williams will have every chance to live up to that moniker on Friday afternoon. 

Tony Jones