By Craig Morris

December 30, 2008 | Jared Quayle had a heyday, netting 17 points, grabbing 11 boards and dishing seven assists as the Ags coasted, 85-45, past Howard University.

Tyler Newbold, although a bit under the weather, chipped in 16 of his own points while Gary Wilkinson and Tai Wesley both reached double figures with 13 and 11, respectively. Every one of the Aggies saw minutes in the blowout Monday at the Spectrum.

"We got everyone a chance to play, which is good, especially with three games in a row," said USU Coach Stew Morrill.

Utah State and Wyoming opened up the Duel in the Desert with wins. The Ags will host the Cowboys New Year's Eve to wrap up the tournament. They will play the Huskies of Houston Baptist at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Spectrum as well.

Though the game got sloppy at times, the Ags held on to the ball well and committed only seven turnovers. They outrebounded the visiting Bison, 48-23.

The attention as of late has turned to the consistent play of Quayle to complement the outstanding post players at Utah State. A JC transfer from Western Wyoming, Quayle has settled into the point guard position. He continues to fill the stat sheet each game.

"He is in the same league as Jaycee in terms of rebounding the ball," said Morrill.

The fans had much to cheer about as the big men dunked all over Howard University. Quayle even got in on that action as he picked the ball off at half court and raced to the basket for a rim-rattling slam.

Only two games remain before the Aggies enter WAC conference play, but they seem primed and ready. They will get their first shot when Idaho comes to town Jan. 5.

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