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The Aggies are as cold as the Cache Valley in late January.

And, in turn, Utah State hosts one of the hottest teams in the Mountain West Conference. On Saturday night, USU (8-11, 2-6) welcomes the Fresno State Bulldogs (13-7, 5-3) to the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The Aggies have lost four straight MWC games, most recently a 74-61 road loss at New Mexico on Tuesday night in Albuquerque in which USU battled early, but faltered as the second half wore on.

"We need to have two halves like the first half at New Mexico and then we can play against anybody, anywhere in the league," USU coach Tim Duryea said. "If we fall off that level, then we need to play through some guys that have the ability to draw a foul or finish a play at the block or create a wide-open shot for a teammate. We need to do a better job there."

On the flip side, the Bulldogs have won three straight conference games, including knocking off MWC leader Nevada in Reno last week. The Aggies have already tied a season-long losing streak at four straight losses. During this same stretch a year ago, USU lost five straight MWC outings before winning five of its last nine.

And the calendar doesn't relent. After hosting Fresno State Saturday, Nevada strolls into Logan Wednesday. Three days later, the Aggies travel to face the Boise State Broncos, tied for the third best record in the MWC entering this weekend. The task to turn the skid around is tall, and it starts with the visiting Bulldogs.

"They were sitting and 2-3 in the league and were a little up-and-down," Duryea said, "but the last three games have had impressive performances on both ends of the floor."

One of the most well-balanced teams in the conference, Fresno State has five players averaging in double figures: Paul Watson (13.5 PPG), Jaron Hopkins (12.7 PPG), Jahmel Taylor (12.6 PPG), Karachi Edo (11 PPG) and Cullen Russo (10.2 PPG). The Bulldogs are also the most efficient team in the conference, shooting .536 percent from the field.

"They are a very, very athletic group," Duryea said. "They are playing unselfishly and are very balanced."

On the defensive side of the ball, Fresno State leads the MWC in steals — and by a wide margin. The Bulldogs have accounted for 170 steals in their 20 games, an average of 8.5 swipes per game. The Aggie offense has struggled after finding its groove earlier in the month. In its last three games, USU is averaging 57 points per game, a significant drop-off after averaging over 81 points per game three games prior.

ckamrani@sltrib.com Twitter: @chriskamrani —

Utah State vs. Fresno State

P At the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, Logan

Tipoff • 7 p.m.

TV • MWN

Radio • 610 AM, 1280 AM, 102.1 FM

Records • Utah State 8-11, 2-6; Fresno State 13-7, 5-3

Series history • Utah State leads 32-24

Last meeting • Fresno State won 86-85 (March 5, 2016 in Logan)

About the Aggies • USU has lost four straight MWC games. … The Aggies' offense (57 PPG in last three) has dropped off after they went 2-1 in early January. … Senior Jalen Moore has scored in double figures in 32 straight games … USU leads MWC in 3-point field goal percentage in league play.

About the Bulldogs • Fresno State has won three straight MWC games after 2-3 start to league play. … The Bulldogs have five players averaging double figures. … The Bulldogs lead the conference in steals with 170 in 20 games. … Jaron Hopkins leads with 3.75 assists per game. … Karachi Edo leads with 6.8 rebounds per outing. … Coach Rodney Terry is in his sixth year in Fresno, with a 98-91 record.