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Logan • Depth has been a major concern for Utah State men's basketball coach Stew Morrill this season, which is why freshman guard Julion Pearre's career-high 15 points in last Sunday's 89-84 loss at USC was eye-opening.

Consider: Pearre went 4 for 9 from the field against the Trojans. In his previous five games, he was 0 for 19. His 15 points were two more than the 13 Utah State's non-starters scored as a group in the previous two games.

Morrill knows it's important for the Aggie bench to keep improving as Mountain West Conference play approaches.

"It's huge," he said, "and it can be anybody. It doesn't have to be the same guy."

Asked about Pearre's performance against the Trojans, Morrill said, "I kept telling him he was going to make shots. He's too good a player not to make some shots. I walked by him while we were stretching [Wednesday] and said, 'Told you.' And he said. 'Thanks, coach.' But he's a freshman. He was just in a little slump. I think that game will bounce him out of the slump."

Beyond Pearre, Morrill's regular rotation since the game at UC Davis on Nov. 26 has included senior forward Sean Harris, freshman center/forward Elston Jones, freshman guard Henry Bolton and Pearre.

"Sean Harris is a guy who can come in and do things," Morrill said, "and Elston has to keep getting better defensively so we can keep him out there. … Whoever it might be, it's really important we get guys playing well because you can't just rely on five guys."

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Utah State visits Utah Valley on Saturday night. The Wolverines' top scorers are forward Mitch Bruneel and guard Marcel Davis. Both started their careers with the Aggies before transferring.

It doesn't sound like there are any lingering hard feelings, however.

"I'm glad they're doing well and have found a home," Morrill said. "It's college basketball. That's just the way it is all over the country. I hope they don't have big games against us, but it's just part of the deal."

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Utah State's game against Utah Valley is its third against an in-state school this season. The Aggies have already defeated Weber State (72-61) and lost to BYU (91-81). Those games drew crowds of 9,982 and 10,270 at the Spectrum.

Utah Valley will also play three state rivals this season. The Wolverines have already beaten Southern Utah (85-75). They visit Weber State on Dec. 20.

"In-state games are a positive for everybody," said veteran Utah Valley coach Dick Hunsaker. "Your community likes them. The students enjoy them. The student-athletes enjoy playing them. … Sometimes the idea of maintaining prowess over others gets in the way a little bit. But these games are good for basketball in the state."

— Steve Luhm