Logan • Utah State got its revenge on Idaho.

Emphatically.

Lying in wait for the only Western Athletic Conference team to defeat them this season, the Aggies dominated the Vandals, 84-68, before a sold-out senior night crowd at the Spectrum.

With a fourth consecutive WAC title already in hand, Utah State didn't play like a team with nothing left to accomplish. Instead, it played like a team fighting for its postseason life, a team with a touch of desperation.

USU dominated almost all of the 40 minutes, trailing 3-2 early, but then taking control and never letting up.

In what was a chippy, contentious game between the two teams, the Aggies were more physical, made open shots and imposed their will defensively.

"We were aggressive from the start and that helped us a bunch," Utah State coach Stew Morrill said. "It was a good win and a good sign that we were able to focus as much as we have."

The Aggies know they still have a lot to play for. In all likelihood, USU's in the NCAA tournament, barring a complete collapse in the last week of the regular season. But the Aggies are playing for seeding, and multiple projections have USU as high as an eighth seed in the upcoming Big Dance.

Knowing this, Utah State feels it has to continue winning, and that one slip could have major consequences.

"We just have to keep playing well, keep taking care of business," Senior forward Tai Wesley said.

That, perhaps, fueled the way the Aggies played this game. Wesley dominated the paint, scoring 22 points, grabbing seven rebounds and blocking two shots.

Brockeith Pane and Brian Green wreaked havoc on the perimeter. Pane, fast becoming one of the best point guards in the WAC, scored 18 points on a variety of drives to the bucket and pull-up jumpers. Green showcased his lethal jumper, scoring 15 points and needing just seven shots to do it.

"We were really focused on this game," Green said. "We didn't want to think about anyone other than Idaho, and I think we did a good job of that."

Several times, the game almost got out of hand. Wesley and Jeff Ledbetter, Idaho's senior guard, got into it twice. Once, the two exchanged subtle shoves. Ledbetter drew the ire of several Utah State players three weeks ago with hand gestures and trash talk that the Aggies thought were disrespectful.

With that in mind, Utah State clearly wanted to send a message on Saturday night. Ledbetter scored 16 points, and Shawn Henderson scored 17 for the Vandals. But Utah State regularly flirted with 20-point leads. The game ceased to be close after the midway point of the first half, and with each basket, the Aggie players implored the Spectrum crowd to get more involved.

"I think our guys were determined to get back at Idaho and get a win against them," Morrill said. If you look at the stats, we played well in a lot of areas. We handled the ball well and we defended well. It was a good win."

tjones@sltrib.comTwitter: @tonyaggieville —

USU 84, Idaho State 68

R In short • Utah State moves to 26-3 on the season, 13-1 in the WAC.

Key moment • The Aggies use an 18-5 run at the end of the first half to take control.

Key stat • Tai Wesley, Brockeith Pane and Brian Green combine for 55 points.