Boise, Idaho • Sam Merrill had 32 points as Utah State defeated Boise State 78-71 in overtime on Saturday.
Utah State outscored Boise State 6-0 in the final 1:59 of overtime. Earlier, Merrill's 3-point play tied it at 68 with 16 seconds left in regulation.
“That was crazy. That’s who we are as a team,” Merrill said. “We were down five with 25 seconds left and you’re not going to win a lot of games like that.”.
Abel Porter had 16 points for Utah State (22-6, 12-3 Mountain West Conference), which earned its fourth consecutive victory. Brock Miller added 11 points. Neemias Queta had 10 points for the visitors.
“I thought we got a surge of adrenaline and we hold them to three points in that five-minute overtime," said Aggie coach Craig Smith. "Wow, what a gut check win and road win No. 8.”
Derrick Alston had 22 points for the Broncos (11-16, 6-8). Justinian Jessup tied a season high with 21 points. Alex Hobbs had 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Utah State takes on San Diego State at home on Tuesday. Boise State plays Colorado State at home on Wednesday.