In landmark victory, UC San Diego topples Utah State on the road – elcajon newson Elcajon News only

UC San Diego entered Tuesday night’s game against undefeated Utah State listed as an 8 1/2-point underdog.

Just over two hours later, the Tritons (10-2) were on the court at a stunned silent Dee Glen Spectrum celebrating a 75-73 victory, one of the biggest in program history.

They earned it behind 26 points from guard Tyler McGhie, who ran off a personal 8-0 run down to give the Tritons a late lead, 20 points from guard Anawania Tait-Jones, who was a clutch 10 of 12 from the free-throw line, and a defense that forced 10 second-half turnovers. UCSD held the Aggies (10-1) to 26.7% second-half shooting.

In a game that included eight lead changes and saw Utah State hold the lead for 24:55 minutes, the Tritons took over when McGhie made a pair of 3-pointers and then a runner in the paint over a crucial one minute, 26 second stretch.

With the Tritons clinging to a late lead, Chris Howell (Torrey Pines High School), Hayden Gray (Sante Fe Christian) and McGhie each swished critical free throws.

The Tritons trailed 39-32 at halftime but opened the second with a quick 6-0 push and never allowed Utah State to pull away.

UCSD shot 46.8% from the field, went 8 of 27 from 3-point range and overcame a season-high 18 turnovers — many of them caused by an aggressive Utah State matchup zone defense.

The Tritons went 23 of 27 from the free throw line and 18 of 21 in the second half. They finished with a 36-34 rebounding edge against the bigger Aggies.

The Aggies entered as one of five remaining unbeaten teams in the nation but were outdone by the Tritons, whose eight game winning streak is the longest since the program made the jump to Division I in 2021.

Next up: UCSD will travel to USD (3-8) at 6 p.m. Saturday.