No. 25 Utah State extends nation’s longest winning streak to 17

LOGAN, Utah — Gary Wilkinson had a perfect shooting night and scored 18 points to lead No. 25 Utah State over New Mexico State 78-59 on Thursday night, extending the nation’s longest winning streak to 17 games.

Wilkinson finished 5-for-5 from the field, made all eight of his free throws and had 11 rebounds as the Aggies (22-1, 10-0 Western Athletic Conference) moved within two wins of the school record of 19 in a row, set in 2000.

Tyler Newbold added 17 points for Utah State and had five of the Aggies’ season-high 12 3-pointers, going 5-for-6 from beyond the arc. Jared Quayle finished with 12 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for Utah State, which is nationally ranked for the first time in five years.

Utah State has won 30 straight at home.

Jahmar Young led New Mexico State (11-12, 5-5) with 15 points.

Utah State controlled the second half of the battle of the Aggies with a 24-16 rebounding advantage and continuing to hit 3-pointers when New Mexico State shut down the lane.

Utah State made its first five 3-pointers in the first half and opened the second half 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Newbold finished 5-for-6, adding one last 3 with less than a minute left as Utah State scored the last seven points of the game.

Pooh Williams scored 11 points and Brady Jardine had nine rebounds for Utah State.

Jonathan Gibson had 13 points and was the only New Mexico State player other than Young to score in double figures.

After falling behind 18-4, New Mexico State was able slowly cut into the lead and get within 35-32 at halftime. Utah State faltered at the foul line and the other Aggies took advantage. Young made a 3-pointer, then a layup on a long pass from Gibson after Utah State missed an inside shot.

Young’s layup made it 30-28 and New Mexico State got two points just before halftime on a goaltending call.

New Mexico State made the trip without freshman guard Terrance Joyner, who was arrested Wednesday after authorities discovered marijuana inside his luggage at the El Paso, Texas airport. Police say Joyner was charged with marijuana possession.