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Logan • As Utah State's longest break from basketball since mid-December approached, coach Stew Morrill tried to put a healthy spin the situation.
"That's a positive, in some respects," he said. "It worries you a little. But maybe you get a chance to rest your legs a little bit — have a chance to get a few days off."
To be precise, Utah State will go seven days between last week's 75-62 win over Nevada and Wednesday night's game against Mountain West Conference bottom-feeder San Jose State.
Morrill's biggest concern is the Aggies could lose some of the momentum gained by back-to-back wins over New Mexico (63-60) and the Wolf Pack.
The victories put Utah State in position for a top-six finish in the Mountain West, which would translate into a first-round bye in the league's postseason tournament.
At least one player, freshman guard Julion Pearre, didn't sound concerned that the Aggies would lose their edge.
After he scored 12 points against Nevada, Pearre said, "We'll get a few days off, we'll have some practices and we'll be ready for San Jose State."
Offense is improving
Against Nevada, Utah State continued its recent improvement on offense.
The Aggies scored a season-high 42 points in the first half and finished shooting 59.5 percent — their best percentage in a span of 65 games, going back to the 2012-13 season.
"That helps you, when you make shots," Morrill said, smiling. "It makes you look better."
Utah State also made 16 of 22 free throws, or 72.7 percent. That's their fourth-highest percentage in 24 games this season.
Freshman David Collette went 8 for 10 from the line against the Wolf Pack. He missed once, but was given another free throw when a Nevada player stepped into the lane too seen. It nearly happened two other times, when Collette paused just before releasing the ball. But he buried those free throws and the officials didn't call anything.
"David drew them offside on several occasions with his little hitch," Morrill said. "But he made them."
Chances for a Morrill milestone
After its break, Utah State gets busy again in a hurry.
Starting with San Jose State, the Aggies play four games in three cities in 11 days, including home games against Fresno State (Feb. 21) and UNLV (Feb. 24) as well as a visit to Air Force (Feb. 28).
In his 17th year at Utah State, Morrill has already announced he will retire at the end of the season. His record is 398-153, meaning he needs two wins for 400.
Twitter: @sluhm