The Utah State Aggies basketball team showcased their potential during a day-night doubleheader against Seattle University on October 28, 2023. The Aggies first claimed victory in a 40-minute exhibition match, winning 88-76, before also securing a 19-13 triumph in a subsequent 12-minute contest. The event, held at Stew Morrill Court, served as a platform for the Aggies to enhance their recruitment efforts while engaging the local community.
Senior guard MJ Collins Jr. led the Aggies with 15 points in the main exhibition game. He demonstrated strong shooting performance, making five of seven field goal attempts, including two of three from three-point range. Following a brief intermission, a lineup primarily consisting of underclassmen took the court for the shorter game, further displaying the depth of Utah State’s roster.
Head coach Ryan Calhoun, in his second season, aimed to build excitement around the program by allowing fans to attend the exhibition. General admission tickets were priced at $20, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Aggies’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives. Calhoun expressed gratitude to fans, noting, “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.”
Attendance for the main contest reached 3,711, allowing fans to experience a preview of the Aggies’ 2025-26 roster, which features five returning players, five transfers, and five freshmen. Collins, who previously averaged 7.4 points per game at Vanderbilt, is among the transfers expected to fill the gap left by the graduation of Ian Martinez, the team’s leading scorer from last season.
Collins’ performance was particularly notable, as he scored nine points in the first half and played just under 26 minutes. “I felt really good,” Collins remarked. “Of course, I’m happy to be here… for the first exhibition, it was pretty mind-blowing.” Alongside Collins, junior guard Mason Falslev contributed 10 points, while junior wing Tucker Anderson added 11 points with an efficient shooting display.
Calhoun also highlighted the contributions from bench players, including junior forward Karson Templin and senior guard Kolby King, each scoring 11 points. Despite the strong offensive showing, Calhoun noted areas for improvement, particularly regarding the team’s 14 turnovers and defensive rebounding, where they only outperformed Seattle by three boards.
“We threw the ball all over the gym at times,” Calhoun said. “But when we don’t throw it to the other team, we’re pretty good… It’s a game of possessions.” All 15 players on the Aggies’ roster participated in the main exhibition, marking a unique opportunity for the team to evaluate their depth.
In the second contest, the Aggies’ underclassmen experienced valuable playing time, with freshman point guard Elijah Perryman logging six minutes on the court. Calhoun noted the significance of playing all available players, stating, “I’ve never experienced that. But there’s a first time for everything.”
The Seattle Redhawks, led by sophomore forward Will Heimbrodt, who scored a game-high 21 points, managed to lead briefly at 9-8. However, a series of three-pointers from Collins and Falslev ignited a 17-2 run, allowing the Aggies to take control of the game. Although Seattle narrowed the deficit to a single point early in the second half, the Aggies responded with key baskets to maintain their lead.
Calhoun emphasized the importance of resilience in the match, stating, “We wanted them to play through some of the struggle today. I thought we had a chance to do that.”
Looking ahead, the Aggies will travel to San Francisco for another exhibition game against the Dons on November 3, 2023, before officially opening their season against Westminster. The dual exhibition games provided a glimpse into the Aggies’ potential as they prepare for the upcoming season, blending competitive play with community engagement.
