LOGAN, Utah (Interstat) — In a display of offensive firepower and defensive control, Utah State methodically dispatched San Jose State 96-78 in a Mountain West Conference men’s basketball game Saturday afternoon at a sold-out Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.

A crowd of 8,972 watched the Aggies improve to 12-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while the Spartans fell to 5-9 and 0-2.

The most important part of the game was Utah State’s relentless interior dominance and its ability to consistently answer any semblance of a San Jose State run with immediate, efficient scoring. Despite a hot-shooting first half from the Spartans, the Aggies never trailed, maintained a double-digit lead for the final 28 minutes, and showcased a balanced, high-octane attack that proved too much for the visitors.

San Jose State, fueled by a 10-for-20 performance from three-point range in the opening period, hung tough early. The Spartans shot 51.4% from the field in the first half and trailed just 48-51 at the break. Guards Jermaine Washington and Adrian Myers combined for five first-half threes, keeping the pressure on the heavily favored Aggies.

However, Utah State’s offensive efficiency was staggering. The Aggies shot 63% from the field for the game, including a remarkable 34-for-54, and outscored San Jose State 52-28 in the paint. They complemented that with a 7-for-17 showing from beyond the arc and a 21-for-26 effort at the free-throw line.

The Aggies’ star was guard MJ Collins, who led all scorers with 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including three three-pointers, and added four rebounds. His backcourt mate, Elijah Perryman, orchestrated the offense with a double-double, dishing out 10 assists to go with 13 points.

Utah State’s frontcourt was equally impactful. Forward Garry Clark scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds and blocked two shots, while Mason Falslev filled the stat sheet with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Karson Templin provided a major boost off the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

For San Jose State, the second-half collapse was stark. After their 51-point first-half outburst, the Spartans managed only 27 points after halftime, shooting just 29.6% from the floor. Utah State’s defense tightened, and the Spartans’ offense became stagnant, managing only five assists total for the game.

Colby Garland led San Jose State with 17 points and five assists. Washington finished with 18 points and Melvin Bell added 13 points and five rebounds.

The Aggies opened the second half with a 10-4 run to push their lead to 58-52 and never allowed the Spartans within single digits again. A key sequence came midway through the half when, leading 71-66, Utah State ripped off a 12-0 run over three minutes. The surge featured a Perryman three-pointer, a putback by Clark and a steal and dunk by Collins, extending the lead to 83-66 and effectively sealing the game.

Utah State’s ball security and shot-making down the stretch were clinical. The Aggies committed only eight turnovers, matching San Jose State, and scored 16 points off those Spartan miscues.

The victory extended Utah State’s home winning streak and solidified its status as a contender in the Mountain West. San Jose State, meanwhile, continued to search for consistency as it heads into a difficult stretch of conference play.

Utah State next travels to face Air Force on Tuesday. San Jose State returns home to host Fresno State, also on Tuesday.