3 takeaways from Utah State’s NCAA Tournament win over Villanova
Aggies went on a decisive 14-1 run in the game’s final minutes to wrap up their second first-round win in the past 3 years.
Utah State guard MJ Collins (2) looks to pass the ball against Villanova forward Duke Brennan (24) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 20, 2026, in San Diego. | Mark J. Terrill For the second time in three years, Utah State is advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The No. 9 seed Aggies followed the leadership of MJ Collins and Mason Falslev to beat No. 8 Villanova 86-76 during first-round action Friday at Viejas Arena in San Diego.
With the win, Utah State (29-6) moves on to face No. 1 seed Arizona on Sunday in the Round of 32. 3 takeaways The Aggies got the defining run in a highly entertaining game: The contest was tied nine times and there were 12 lead changes in Friday’s matchup, but Utah State was the benefactor of the final momentum swing.
Both teams went on an extended drought after Villanova took a 73-71 lead, but Collins was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 3:54 to play. He made 2 of 3 from the free-throw line, then after a pair of Drake Allen free throws 43 seconds later, Collins came up with a steal and turned it into three points, scoring on the fast break and getting fouled. His made free throw gave Utah State a 78-73 lead, and after another Wildcat turnover on a five-second call, Falslev found Collins underneath for another basket and an 80-73 lead with 2:12 to play.