Utah State is poised to achieve one of its best starts in the program’s history as they take on Grand Canyon this Saturday. The Aggies, currently boasting a record of 15-1 and 6-0 in the Mountain West Conference, aim to secure their second regular-season Mountain West title in three years, having last won in 2024.
With a victory at Global Credit Union Arena, Utah State could match the impressive feat of winning 16 out of their first 17 games, just like they did in the last two seasons. The program’s best start remains 24-1 during the 2008-09 season, while the records from the 2003-04 season stand at 20-1. Teams from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, achieving 16-1, are currently tied for the third-best start.
Going into what will be their first regular-season matchup against Grand Canyon, Utah State is riding high on an eight-game winning streak. Their last loss occurred in December against South Florida, where they fell 74-61.
Offensively, the Aggies are leading the Mountain West by averaging 86 points per game, with standout player MJ Collins, a Vanderbilt transfer, leading the conference with an average of 20.1 points per game. Three-year starter Mason Falslev follows closely, averaging 16.2 points, while fifth-year senior Garry Clark contributes with 9.1 points and 6.1 rebounds.
In addition to their offense, Utah State also possesses a formidable defense, allowing an average of 66.7 points per game, which ranks them second in the league. New Mexico leads the league defensively, allowing just 66.2 points.
On the other hand, Grand Canyon enters this matchup with a record of 10-6 and a 3-2 conference score. This season marks their debut in the Mountain West, as they joined the league a year earlier than anticipated. Currently in fifth place, the Antelopes are striving to catch up to leaders Utah State and San Diego State, who they will host shortly on January 21.
Grand Canyon has won two of their last three conference games, though they are looking to bounce back from a significant 87-64 defeat against New Mexico, where they struggled defensively, especially in the paint.
The Antelopes are led by Jaden Henley, a UNLV transfer, who averages 17.2 points per game—fifth in the Mountain West—while graduate student Nane Owusu-Anane is close to a double-double with averages of 9.3 points and 8.8 rebounds.
In terms of betting odds, Utah State is favored by 5.5 points with an Over/Under of 148.5 points. The moneyline stands at -235 for Utah State and +190 for Grand Canyon. This enticing Mountain West clash will be televised on FS1, with tip-off scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET.
Predictions for the game suggest a comfortable win for Utah State, with an anticipated score of 90-75. The Aggies’ championship potential this year is highlighted by the combination of Collins’ scoring ability, Falslev’s leadership, and Clark’s prowess in the paint. Their low turnover rate and exceptional shooting, along with an unselfish playing style that features three players with over 40 assists, solidify Utah State’s standing as a formidable contender in the league.