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The locker room after Utah State's first win in the last five games was refreshing, Jarred Shaw said.
There was relief. There was validation.
"We just stayed positive, we just kept fighting," the junior center said. "We knew we would eventually find the combination to win."
The Aggies (15-5, 6-4) are hoping a similar combination can keep them rolling as they head to face Seattle University (7-13, 2-8). The Redhawks are still hanging around the bottom of the Western Athletic Conference standings, but are also rejoicing after a win that broke a losing streak.
Utah State struggled to put Seattle away in their last meeting, despite pulling out a 75-66 win. Redhawks freshman forward Deshaun Sunderhaus was a thorn in the Aggies' side, scoring in the post and from deep for 23 points and adding 10 boards.
It wasn't one of Shaw's best games — he had only six points and seven rebounds, looking frustrated for most of the contest.
"I wasn't ready to play," he said. "In that game, I gambled a lot, and I let him score on me. I have to be ready and do what I can do to stop him."
While the Aggies will miss the 38 points Preston Medlin and Kyisean scored in the last game, Shaw looks primed to take the leading role. In the past two games, he's elevated into an all-star with averages of 24 points and 11.5 rebounds.
But although the Aggies have gone inside, it's not their only option. Spencer Butterfield has had three straight double-doubles, and Marcel Davis and TeNale Roland had strong games at the point against Idaho. In what has been an injury-ravaged season, Utah State's confidence is growing.
"We need everyone to play at another level," Shaw said. "Guys have really taken that to heart and are playing hard."
Twitter: @kylegoon —
Utah State at Seattle
O KeyArena at Seattle Center (Seattle)
Tipoff • Saturday, 8 p.m.
TV • ROOT Sports
Radio • 960 AM
Records • Utah State 15-5, 6-4; Seattle 7-13, 2-8
Series history • Utah State leads 16-14
Last meeting • USU 75, SU 66 (Jan. 3)
About the Aggies • Utah State snapped its first-ever four-game losing streak under Stew Morrill with a win at Idaho on Thursday. … Spencer Butterfield had his third straight double-double against the Vandals. … Jarred Shaw set a career high with 27 points against Idaho.
About the Redhawks • Seattle is coming off its first WAC home win, a 56-48 win over San Jose State. … The Redhawks lead the WAC in steals (8.89 spg), rebounding (42.0 rpg) and assists (15.53 apg). … Prince Obasi leads the team with 4.84 assists per game, good for second in the WAC.