US EditionVillanova Knocked Out of NCAA Tournament by Utah State After Four-Year Absence
Utah State outscored Villanova 42-26 in the paint with Mason Falslev scoring 22 points and MJ Collins adding 20 to secure the upset win.
- On March 20, 2026, Utah State Aggies defeated Villanova Wildcats 86-76 in the first round at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University, opening their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
- Attacking the paint, the Aggies set the tone early with a 22-13 lead and held an 18-2 edge on paint points while Jerrod Calhoun adopted Ralph Willard's matchup zone.
- Mason Falslev led the Aggies with 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while MJ Collins converted a three-point play at 2:53 and made late defensive plays including a steal-to-score sequence.
- On Friday, Utah State, the 9-seed, upset 8-seed Villanova, ending their season in a one-and-done exit and moving on to face Arizona on Sunday.
- Despite Villanova's shooting, Bryce Lindsay led the Wildcats with six 3s for 25 points, while Utah State hit 28 of 37 free throws and had two others in double figures.
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USU men’s basketball: Aggies face top-seeded Arizona in second round of Big Dance
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — While the Aggies were certainly excited to rally and beat eighth-seeded Villanova in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, imagine the feeling they would have advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.
Utah State finishes strong against Villanova to advance to 2nd round of the Big Dance
Utah State players celebrate after a first-round win over Villanova in the NCAA tournament Friday, in San Diego. | Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press. SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KSL.com) — There was no long wait like in the past for the Aggies to enjoy an NCAA Tournament victory. It was just two years. The ninth-seeded Utah State men’s basketball team rallied in the second half to beat eighth-seeded Villanova Friday afternoon at Viejas Arena in the f…
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