The Big Blue River, a tributary of the Driftwood River in east-central Indiana just south of Indianapolis, is a promising spot where the Utah State Aggies might thrive, especially Isaac Johnson, known as "Fish" to his teammates. During the NCAA Tournament's first round at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Fish delivered a career-high 19 points, helping the Aggies secure an impressive 88-72 victory over TCU.
USU head coach Danny Sprinkle praised the team's toughness and grit against the physical Big 12 team, citing their preparation and practice following a loss to San Diego State. The win marked Utah State's first NCAA Tournament victory since 2001, ending a 10-game losing streak in the Big Dance, with the largest margin of victory since 1970.
Johnson, a sophomore forward, transferred to USU from Oregon in 2022. He scored 12 consecutive points for the Aggies during a crucial stretch in the second half, showcasing his improved confidence and belief in himself, a mental battle he has faced throughout the year. Senior guard Ian Martinez also contributed significantly with 21 points, maintaining a perfect record at the free-throw line.
Despite foul trouble limiting Great Osobor's playing time, he managed 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Graduate point guard Darius Brown II impressed with 10 points and 10 assists, tying the school record for assists in a year. However, the Aggies struggled to contain TCU's offensive rebounds, with the Horned Frogs grabbing 21 compared to USU's five.
TCU's transition game, averaging over 18 points per game, was effectively neutralized by the Aggies, who only allowed nine fast-break points. Although TCU started strong with an early eight-point lead, Utah State rallied behind Johnson's offensive prowess and Osobor's inside scoring, taking a 43-37 lead into halftime.
Sprinkle's halftime message emphasized the importance of rebounding, leading to a strong second half with only six turnovers against a team known for its steals. Johnson's scoring spree in the second half solidified Utah State's lead, propelling them to an eventual 88-72 victory.
Looking ahead to their matchup against Purdue, the No. 1 seed, Johnson expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete, highlighting their teamwork and capability to hang with any opponent. As the Aggies celebrated their hard-earned victory, the focus shifted to the next challenge, where they aimed to continue their impressive tournament run.
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