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Logan • If there has been a surprise team during the first half of the Mountain West Conference basketball season, it's Utah State.

The Aggies were picked 10th of 11 in the preseason but, heading into Tuesday night's game against Boise State, they are 12-9 overall and 5-4 in league play.

While it's probably a stretch to think Utah State can overtake the top four teams in the Mountain West standings — San Diego State, Wyoming, Colorado State and New Mexico — the Aggies have put themselves in position for a top-six finish.

That would translate into a first-round bye in the conference's post-season tournament and a tangible step forward for the program.

Despite a 62-42 loss at San Diego State on Saturday night, coach Stew Morrill is happy with Utah State's progress.

"With what we started the year with in terms of experience — and being picked 10th in the league — you have to take a sense of satisfaction about where we are," he said. "You can't feel awful about being on the upside of the record. … Take out the San Diego State game and we've improved all along. I've liked everything that has gone into that."

Utah State has a favorable schedule down the stretch.

Because of the Mountain West's odd number of teams, the Aggies don't play San Diego State again. Their only meeting with Colorado State comes in the regular-season finale at the Spectrum.

Among the four teams currently within 1-1/2 games of each other in the battle for a top-six finish, Utah State plays Boise State, Fresno State and UNLV at home.

"We have to continue to be hungry," Morrill said. "That's the biggest concern I have. We had a little step-back the other night and now we have to step forward again. … We have to keep trying to get better."

Against Boise State, which has won five straight games, Utah State must shut down one of the Mountain West's top offenses, led by sharpshooting Derrick Marks.

On Jan. 3, Marks scored 31 points on 11-for-20 shooting, but David Collette's three-pointer as time expired gave the Aggies a 62-61 win at Taco Bell Arena.

Currently, the Broncos are 15-6 overall and 5-3 in the Mountain West.

"Boise is playing well," Morrill said. "… They lost some close games early but now they're winning those close games. They certainly know what they're trying to do and probably have the MVP of the league in Marks. He's playing off-the-charts right now."

According to Morrill, Marks is "an NBA guard" who is the catalyst for Boise State's scheme.

"They have good role definition," he said. "They are just hard to deal with - all the things to do offensively. … They spread you out. They drive you. They get a lot of three-point looks. What they do is very well-conceived. That's a credit to their coaches." —

Boise State at Utah State

P At the Spectrum, Logan

Tip-off • 7:30 p.m.

TV • CBS Sports Network

Radio • 610-AM, 95.9-FM, 102.1-FM

Records • Boise State 15-6, 5-4; Utah State 12-9, 5-4

Series • Utah State, 30-9

Last meeting • Utah State, 62-61 in OT (Jan. 3)

About the Aggies • They were not competitive in Saturday's 62-42 loss at San Diego State. … They had 16 points with 16 minutes to play. … They are 8-3 at home. … Coach Stew Morrill needs four wins for 400 in 17 seasons at Utah State. … Sophomore F Jalen Moore averages 15.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. He ranks third in the Mountain West Conference in minutes (34.3).

About the Broncos • They have won five straight games, including victories over Colorado State (82-78) and New Mexico (69-59). … They are led by conference MVP candidate Derrick Marks. He averages 19.6 points and shoots 53.8 percent on three-pointers. … Senior G Anthony Drmic (15.0 ppg) is out for the season with an ankle injury.