Utah State Basketball Dominates Seattle in Exhibition Doubleheader

The Utah State Aggies showcased their talent with a commanding performance against the Seattle University Redhawks, winning an exhibition game 88-76 on Saturday at Stew Morrill Court. The match, which attracted an impressive attendance of 3,711 fans, marked a unique opportunity for the Aggies to not only hone their skills but also support their program financially.

Under the direction of head coach Calhoun, now in his second season, Utah State opted to promote this exhibition as a public event, contrasting with previous years when such games were closed to fans. General admission tickets were sold for $20 each, with proceeds directed towards the Aggies’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) fund. “I thought it was a neat environment; a great opportunity for us to not only get better play against a good, quality team, but raise some money for the future,” Calhoun expressed. He acknowledged the support from fans, noting some purchased tickets without attending the event, calling it a “win-win.”

The game featured standout performances, particularly from senior guard MJ Collins Jr., who scored 15 points, including nine in the first half. Collins, a transfer from Vanderbilt, demonstrated his scoring ability by shooting 5 for 7 from the field and 2 for 3 from beyond the arc. He is expected to fill the void left by the graduation of Ian Martinez, the Aggies’ leading scorer from last season.

The Aggies displayed a balanced attack, with several players contributing to the scoreboard. Junior guard Mason Falslev added 10 points, while junior wing Tucker Anderson and junior forward Karson Templin each contributed 11 points. Templin also secured six rebounds, showcasing his versatility on the court.

Calhoun acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly regarding ball security, as the team committed 14 turnovers during the game. “This time of year, I think the two biggest things you’re really trying to key in on is your transition defense and your ball security,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of managing possessions effectively.

In addition to the main exhibition game, Utah State participated in a shorter 12-minute contest immediately afterward, which they won 19-13. This allowed underclassmen to gain valuable playing experience. Freshman point guard Elijah Perryman saw notable action, finishing with three points and an assist in six minutes.

The Aggies now look forward to their next exhibition matchup against the San Francisco Dons on October 28, 2025, before kicking off their regular season against Westminster on November 3, 2025. With a roster featuring five returners, five transfers, and five freshmen, Utah State is poised for an exciting season ahead.

Calhoun concluded with optimism about the team’s development, stating, “We wanted them to play through some of the struggle today… I thought we had a chance to do that.” As the Aggies gear up for a new season, this exhibition serves as an important stepping stone in their journey.