By Craig Morris

Februry 6, 2009 | After finishing last week ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2004, the Utah State Aggies improved its best-in-the-nation winning streak to 17 as they beat the New Mexico State Aggies in Logan, 78-59.

The final score was misleading, as the Ags held only a three-point lead at halftime and led by as few as 10 down the stretch. Gary Wilkinson led the way with yet another double-double: 18 points and 11 rebounds. Tyler Newbold threw in 17 points of his own as the Aggies improved to 10-0 in the WAC.

Jared Quayle filled the stat sheet himself with 12 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Each of the Aggie starters scored in double figures as well—Tai Wesley scored 10 points and Pooh Williams had 11.

Utah State used defense and hustle to secure a victory. Brady Jardine was a much-needed spark plug off the bench when Wesley and Wilkinson found themselves in foul trouble at multiple times throughout the game. Jardine continues to bring energy to each game since having his redshirt removed.

"He works so hard out there and he wants to do the right thing," said Wilkinson of Jardine. "He's got so much potential. He is going to be a force to be reckoned with."

Jardine grabbed nine rebounds in his 18 minutes of action. His presence and athleticism seemed to excite both the crowd and the players on the court.

Utah State out-rebounded the Aggies of New Mexico State, 39-31. They also shared the ball well with 22 assists.

The home team will put their undefeated WAC record on the line again Saturday when they host Louisiana Tech, whom they beat earlier this season 50-37. LA Tech held the Ags to their lowest point total of the season.

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