In a thrilling nonconference finale, the Utah State women’s basketball team secured an impressive victory over Idaho, winning 80-73. The game took place at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, showcasing the Aggies’ resilience and talent.
Key Performers Shine
Senior center Sophie Sene played a pivotal role, scoring 17 points and making a career-high five 3-pointers. Notably, she became the first player in the Mountain West standing 6-foot-3 or taller to achieve this milestone since the 2020-21 season. Junior guard Aaliyah Gayles led with 18 points, while both Gayles and Sene excelled in rebounding, grabbing nine and eight boards, respectively.
Senior guard/forward Jamisyn Heaton contributed significantly with 15 points and five rebounds. Additionally, senior guard Marina Asensio added 11 points and a team-high four assists. Heaton and Asensio also led the team with three steals each.
A Competitive Battle
The contest was tightly contested, with 17 lead changes and 10 ties. Sene initiated the scoring for the Aggies with two early 3-pointers, helping Utah State claim a 20-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
- Idaho responded with a 7-0 run to start the second quarter.
- Utah State countered with a 9-0 run, regaining control at 32-26.
- Idaho finished the half strong, taking a 40-38 advantage into halftime.
Second Half Surge
After the break, the Aggies regained the lead early, with Heaton making crucial layups. The game remained close, with neither team leading by more than three points for nearly ten minutes.
A significant 6-0 run by Utah State, highlighted by field goals from Asensio, gave the Aggies a crucial 65-61 lead with just over six minutes left. Sene’s fifth 3-pointer bolstered the lead, while Gayles shone in the closing moments, scoring six of the Aggies’ next eight points. This included four consecutive free throws that solidified the team’s advantage.
Defensive Dominance
Utah State’s defense stood out, limiting Idaho to just two field goals in nearly six minutes during a critical stretch of the game. Heaton’s free throws pushed the lead to double digits, allowing the Aggies to maintain control and secure the 80-73 win.
Season Overview
The Aggies achieved a season-high shooting percentage of 48.3% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range. They also performed well at the free-throw line, making 63.6% of their attempts. Defensively, they held Idaho to 37.7% shooting from the field.
- Utah State forced 15 turnovers, while committing only 12 themselves.
- The Aggies outscored the Vandals 22-6 in points off turnovers.
Looking Ahead
With a record of 4-5, Utah State matches its win total from the previous season. This marks the program’s best nonconference winning percentage since going 5-5 in the 2021-22 season. The Aggies are set to begin Mountain West play next week, starting with a home game against Air Force on December 17, followed by a road match against Colorado State on December 20.
Fans can purchase season tickets, mini-plans, and single-game tickets through the USU Ticket Office. For updates, follow USU women’s basketball on social media platforms.
