The Utah State basketball team delivered a solid performance during an exhibition doubleheader against Seattle University on Saturday, October 28, 2023. The Aggies triumphed in both contests held at Stew Morrill Court, winning the first game 88-76, followed by a 19-13 victory in a shorter, second game. Senior guard MJ Collins Jr. led the team with 15 points, showcasing the skills that the Aggies hope will carry them through the upcoming season.
The day began with a 40-minute exhibition match where Collins shone bright, scoring nine of his total points in the first half. He completed the game shooting 5 for 7 from the field, including two 3-pointers, and also hit three of four free throws. “I felt really good,” Collins remarked after the game. He expressed eagerness for the season ahead, stating, “I can’t wait until the Spec is filled up 100%.”
After a brief intermission, the Aggies fielded a lineup predominantly featuring underclassmen in the second contest, which lasted 12 minutes. This game allowed younger players to gain valuable experience, with Utah State securing the win despite a lower-scoring output.
Coach Ryan Calhoun, now in his second season with the team, opted to make this year’s exhibition accessible to fans, selling general admission tickets for $20. Proceeds from these ticket sales directly support the Aggies’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund. “This was a neat environment; a great opportunity for us to not only improve against a quality team but to raise some money for the future,” he stated, acknowledging the fans who supported the event.
The main exhibition attracted an attendance of 3,711, allowing fans to catch an early glimpse of the 2025-26 roster, which includes five returning players, five transfers, and five freshmen. Collins, a transfer from Vanderbilt, is expected to play a crucial role following the graduation of leading scorer Ian Martinez, who averaged 16.4 points per game last season.
Junior guard Mason Falslev also contributed significantly, scoring 10 points, while junior wing Tucker Anderson added 11 points to the team’s tally. The Aggies demonstrated offensive strength with 49 points in the first half alone, although Calhoun noted concerns regarding ball security, as the team committed 14 turnovers during the game.
“This time of year, the two biggest areas to focus on are transition defense and ball security,” Calhoun explained. “It’s hard to play transition defense when you don’t have great ball security.” He acknowledged the importance of improving their possession game as they move closer to the regular season.
In total, all 15 players on the Aggies’ roster participated in the main contest, with nine players scoring points. Freshman point guard Elijah Perryman had the most significant playing time among newcomers, contributing three points and an assist. This extensive rotation allowed the coaching staff to evaluate talent and readiness ahead of the season opener.
The Redhawks managed to lead briefly at 9-8, but a strong reaction from the Aggies, including back-to-back three-pointers from Falslev and Collins, initiated a 17-2 run that solidified Utah State’s lead. Despite a resilient effort from Seattle, which narrowed the gap to just one point in the second half, the Aggies maintained control, with Collins hitting key shots to preserve the lead.
The Aggies now turn their attention to their next exhibition game against the Dons in San Francisco on November 4, 2023, before officially kicking off the season against Westminster at home on November 3. As the season approaches, Utah State is poised to build on the momentum gained from this exhibition showcase.
