CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — In a commanding display of offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, the Utah State Aggies remained undefeated Friday afternoon, overpowering the Tulane Green Wave in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game at TD Arena.

The Aggies, who led by 16 points at halftime, exploded for 56 points in the second half to secure the victory and improve their season record to 5-0. Tulane’s record fell to 3-2.

Utah State’s offense operated at a historic level of efficiency, scoring 96 points on just 69 possessions for a staggering offensive rating of 140.0. The Aggies shot a blistering 62 percent from the floor, connecting on 36 of 58 field goal attempts. Their dominance was most evident in the paint, where they outscored Tulane 44 to 12, and on the fast break, where they held a 22-6 advantage.

Despite a strong three-point shooting performance from Tulane, which made 15 of 30 attempts from beyond the arc, the Green Wave could not keep pace. Tulane managed an offensive rating of 104.1, scoring 75 points on 72 possessions.

The game was a tale of two halves with a shared halftime score. Both teams were knotted at 40 after the first 20 minutes, but Utah State’s adjustments and relentless execution broke the game open after the break.

Utah State’s Mason Falslev, a 6-foot-3 guard from Benson, Utah, led all scorers with 24 points, adding seven rebounds in 34 minutes of action. He was instrumental in the Aggies’ defensive effort, which forced 13 Tulane turnovers, converting them into 24 points.

The Aggies’ backcourt provided a balanced and potent attack. Kolby King, a 6-1 guard from Pompano Beach, Florida, contributed 16 points and six rebounds, while MJ Collins, a 6-4 guard playing in his home state of South Carolina, chipped in 21 points and five assists. Drake Allen, a 6-5 guard, facilitated the offense masterfully, dishing out eight assists to go with seven points.

For Tulane, Rowan Brumbaugh, a 6-4 guard from Washington, D.C., led the way with 19 points. Asher Woods, a 6-3 guard from Atlanta, added 16 points and five rebounds, and KJ Greene, another Atlanta native, scored 12 points. The Green Wave’s interior defense was a bright spot, recording six blocked shots, with Curtis Williams and Percy Daniels each swatting two attempts.

The Aggies’ victory was a comprehensive team effort, underscored by their significant advantages in several key statistical categories. They out-rebounded Tulane on the offensive glass, 8 to 3, and tallied nine steals compared to Tulane’s five. Utah State also shared the ball more effectively, finishing with nine assists against just five for the Green Wave.

The game’s tempo and outcome defied pregame expectations, as the combined score of 171 points sailed well over the projected over/under line of 151. Utah State also comfortably covered the pregame spread, having been installed as a 10.5-point favorite.

With the win, Utah State continues its strong start to the season, having previously defeated UTEP, Weber State, VCU, and Westminster. The Aggies will look to extend their winning streak when they host Montana State on Nov. 29.

Tulane, which entered the game off a loss to New Orleans after wins over Louisiana-Lafayette, Texas State, and Samford, will seek to return to the win column at home against Nicholls State on Nov. 28.