Quayle huge in biggest win of the season

I entered the Lawlor Events Center expecting a rowdy environment. I expected the Nevada faithful to be in high gear, eager to get some revenge on Utah State and unleash a flood of trash talking, taunting and heckling.

I got it, but not at the levels anyone associated with Utah State basketball is used to.

In fact, by the time I was ready to leave the arena, this was found on the floor near the student section — a reminder of a group of fans that wanted to get rowdy and celebrate but was denied the opportunity to do so.

Why?

Because Utah State showed discipline even while facing a 10-point deficit late in the game.

And among the many notable performers for Utah State, who stood out most? Jared Quayle.

After playing a few weeks of sub-par — by the standards many set for him after a tremendous junior season — play, Quayle had a phenomenal night. Sure, the senior from Box Elder High had a couple of hiccups along the way (see his ghastly turnover near the end of the first half) but was the rock many expected him to be.

Scoring a team high 21 points, Quayle was steady when the pressure was really on.

Trailing by 10 points with seven minutes to play, Quayle didn’t let his team panic. He directed the offense well, played solid defense and finished the game with five assists and seven rebounds.

A very big game, indeed.

The win means Utah State is right back in the thick of the WAC picture. At 2-2, USU can still be conference champions.

First up, though, is a home game with Boise State and a rugged road trip to Fresno State and Idaho next week. If the Aggies can get through that three game stretch in good shape, they’ll have a realistic chance of being at, or near, the top of the WAC standings.