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Utah State jumped on Mississippi State early Saturday afternoon at Humphrey Coliseum.

Maybe that was the problem.

After rallying from far behind in their first three games, the Aggies couldn't sustain the quick start against the Bulldogs and lost for the first time this season.

Roquez Johnson and Fred Thomas scored 15 points each as Mississippi State escaped with a 71-63 victory over Utah State. Junior college transfers Darius Perkins and Chris Smith led the Aggies with 14 points each. Jalen Moore added 13.

Utah State's problems against the unbeaten Bulldogs were obvious. The Aggies committed 13 turnovers and were outrebounded, 38-21.

Utah State had open the season by rallying from an 18-point deficit to defeat Weber State (72-61), a 13-point deficit to beat Santa Clara (60-54) and a 12-point deficit to defeat Illinois State (60-55).

It was different against Mississippi State.

The Aggies built an early 12-9 advantage and, despite going nearly 4 minutes without a point during one sloppy stretch, managed a 38-34 lead at halftime.

With 6:01 left to play, Utah State took a 58-57 lead on David Collette's jumper. But the Aggies failed to score on their next five possessions. Three ended in missed 3-point shots. Two ended in turnovers.

Mississippi State charged to a 65-58 lead before Utah State made a final comeback attempt. Smith's 3-pointer made it 65-61 with 1:43 remaining.

The Aggies had a chance to get closer, too, but Perkins missed a jump shot with a minute left before the Bulldogs made six straight free throws in the final 50 seconds to seal their third consecutive victory.

"It was good for our team to beat a quality team like Utah State," said Bulldog coach Rick Ray. "... Our goal before the season started [was] to be in a serious conversation for post-season basketball. You have to beat teams like Utah State in order to have this. You have to build a résumé."

luhm@sltrib.com Twitter: @sluhm —

Storylines

R Mississippi State hands Utah State its first defeat of the season.

• Chris Smith and Darius Perkins score 14 points each to lead the Aggies.

• Utah State commits 13 turnovers and is outrebounded, 38-21.