LOGAN, Utah-Friday, Utah State men’s basketball has its first home game of the season against the Hartford Hawks.
Utah State is 52-9 (.852) in home openers since 1957-58 and has won 24 straight at home dating back to the 1993-1994 season.
The coaching debut of new head coach Craig Smith was successful as the Aggies routed Montana State 101-71 Tuesday at Bozeman, Mont.
The Aggies also started two freshmen in the rout of the Bobcats in Portuguese national Neemias Queta and Brock Miller, a Brighton High School product out of Sandy, Utah. This was the first time this has happened in more than 20 years for Utah State.
Furthermore, star junior guard Sam Merrill netted 37 points in the win at Montana State Tuesday.
Friday’s tilt at the Spectrum is the first game in history between the Aggies and the Hawks.
The Hawks, who represent the America East Conference, are the fifth opponent the Aggies have faced from that conference. Utah State is currently 4-0 all-time against the America East.
The Hawks come into Logan at 0-1 on the season as they fell 75-68 to Central Connecticut State Tuesday evening.
George Blagojevic posted 19 points to lead the Hawks in the loss to the Blue Devils of the Northeast Conference.
Hartford is led by head coach John Gallagher who is in his 9th season at the helm and currently has a record of 106-149 (.416).
