Analysis: How Utah State broke away down the stretch to beat Villanova in the NCAA Tournament
Utah State players celebrate after the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Villanova, Friday, March 20, 2026, in San Diego. | Marcio Jose Sanchez SAN DIEGO — In danger of their season coming to an abrupt and disappointing end, the Utah State Aggies suddenly found new life on the first day of spring. After trailing by 10 points early in the second half of Friday’s first-round NCAA Tournament game against 8 seed Villanova, 9 seed Utah State managed to rally back and make it a contest again.
Then with the game on the line, the Aggies finished with an all-time great flourish, outscoring the Wildcats 15-5 over the final four minutes on their way to closing out an 86-76 victory at Viejas Arena. “One of the things that always stuck out to me is coach (Jerrod Calhoun) always says, ‘You only have one life. Might as well make it great,’” USU junior guard Mason Falslev said.
“I always think about that, that we really do have limited time on the earth, so we might as well do something great and be a part of something great. ” Utah State forward Adlan Elamin (35) celebrates during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Villanova, Friday, March 20, 2026, in San Diego. | Marcio Jose Sanchez Utah State forward Karson Templin (22) celebrates next to Villanova guard Acaden Lewis (55) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 20, 2026, in San Diego.
| Marcio Jose Sanchez Utah State forward Karson Templin, facing, celebrates with guard MJ Collins after the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Villanova, Friday, March 20, 2026, in San Diego. | Mark J. Terrill Utah State forward Adlan Elamin, left, loses the ball while shooting against Villanova guard Devin Askew during the second half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 20, 2026, in San Diego.
| Mark J. Terrill Utah State players celebrate after the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Villanova, Friday, March 20, 2026, in San Diego. | Marcio Jose Sanchez Utah State guard MJ Collins celebrates during the second half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Villanova, Friday, March 20, 2026, in San Diego.
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