Collins scores 20 points to lead Utah State over Villanova 86-76 in March Madness
SAN DIEGO (AP) — MJ Collins' steal and emphatic one-handed slam dunk with 1:13 left gave him 20 points and Utah State opened its fourth straight NCAA Tournament by beating Villanova 86-76 on Friday. Mason Falslev, the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year, scored 22 and helped bring the Aggies back from a 10-point deficit early in the second half. Utah State (29-6), the No.
9 seed in the West Region, will play No. 1 seed Arizona in the second round on Sunday. The Wildcats beat No.
16 Long Island 92-58 on Friday. Collins converted a three-point play with 2:53 left to give the Aggies a 78-73 lead. After No.
8 seed Villanova (24-9) committed a five-second inbound violation, Falslev fed Collins for a layup and an 80-73 lead. Collins intercepted a pass by Bryce Lindsay and went in for his slam for an 84-74 lead. Lindsay made six 3-pointers and scored 25 points for Villanova.
Duke Brennan and Tyler Perkins added 15 points apiece. The Wildcats used a 9-1 run to open the second half and take a 48-38 lead. Villanova made 14 of 30 3-pointers to counter Utah State's matchup zone.