Utah State beats Nevada to advance to Mountain West title game

Aggies will play for conference championship after eliminating rivals from Silver State

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:06am

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Top-seeded Utah State beat Nevada 79-66 in the semifinals of the Mountain West tournament to earn a spot in the championship game against the winner of the late game between No. 2 San Diego State and No. 3 New Mexico. The Aggies, who won the regular season title, will be playing for another championship and improved NCAA Tournament seeding.

Why it matters

Utah State is looking to win its third Mountain West tournament title in the last four years, which would secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Aggies are also trying to improve their seeding for the Big Dance by winning the conference tournament.

The details

Utah State responded to an early 12-11 deficit by scoring 12 of the next 14 points and led the rest of the way. The Aggies' defense held Nevada to just 40.7% shooting, including 5-for-19 from 3-point range, and forced 15 turnovers that led to 22 points. Freshman wing Adlan Elamin led Utah State with 15 points, matching his career high, while Drake Allen, MJ Collins Jr. and Mason Falslev each scored 12 points.

  • Utah State beat Nevada 79-66 on Friday night in the Mountain West tournament semifinals.
  • The Aggies will play in the Mountain West championship game on Saturday at 4 p.m. Mountain Time.

The players

Jerrod Calhoun

Utah State head coach.

Adlan Elamin

Utah State freshman wing who scored a career-high 15 points in the win over Nevada.

Steve Alford

Nevada head coach.

Vaughn Weems

Nevada junior guard who scored a team-high 17 points.

Corey Camper Jr.

Nevada's leading scorer who was held to just 9 points on 3-of-12 shooting.

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What they’re saying

“We're playing for another title. Obviously, we won the regular season … but we're also playing for NCAA Tournament seeding. We're trying to get up the seed line and make a run, but to have a chance to play (for) another title is pretty awesome.”

— Jerrod Calhoun, Utah State head coach (yahoo.com)

“It was just my approach to the game tonight. I know how badly we want to get the 'ship, and it was just my approach. I came to the game ready to play, and my teammates deserve a lot of credit for passing me the ball and getting it to me in the right spots.”

— Adlan Elamin, Utah State freshman wing (yahoo.com)

“When all the dust settles, we had the same amount of field goals and the same amount of offensive rebounds. We just had too many turnovers. Any time our assists and turnovers are kind of the same number, it's usually been in our defeats. I think that hurt us because they were able to get out in transition where they're really, really good.”

— Steve Alford, Nevada head coach (yahoo.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.