LOGAN, Utah -- The Utah State University Aggies took No. 7 in the country San Diego State University head on Saturday and kept it close the whole game before losing in overtime 74-69.
It was a last second, three-point shot by senior USU guard/forward Spencer Butterfield that sent the game into overtime, but it just was not enough for the Aggies.
"I didn't think we were gonna be able to get anything off - it was kind of a miracle shot. Great shot on his part," Utah State head coach Stew Morrill said after the game.
Spencer Butterfield spoke about game.
"Preston was covered, they were playing really good defense on him and they switched the man onto him,” he said. “So, I just came over and was able to get a decent look at it and it just went in.”
Going into overtime, it looked like the Aggies had a chance - but San Diego State's senior guard Xavier Thames took over the game.
He only had eight points in the first half, but ended the game with a career high of 31 points.
"I started off real slow, you know, I think I was three for 10 going into halftime, but coach just told me to keep shooting,” Thames said. “I got a lot of good looks, and that's what I did.”
The largest lead the Aztecs held was eight points, but the Aggies kept it within two for points the majority of the game.
Utah State could not keep the momentum going into overtime.
"Our guys played really, really hard,” Morrill said. “Made a lot of big shots, gave themselves a chance, we just gotta find a way down the stretch. We've had three league games like this where we have had a chance down the stretch and we just don't make enough plays and that's disappointing.”
Even though the Aggies could not pull out the win, the fans were in full strength throughout the night.
"They are amazing,” Thames said. “You know, it was real loud throughout the whole game, not just when they got close, so credit to them and a great Utah State team as well.”
