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State colleges: Utah State rejects Saint Mary’s in rout

Utah State's Quinn Taylor shoots over Saint Mary's Jordan Ford, left, and Malik Fitts during the first half of a NCAA college basketball game Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Las Vegas • Neemias Queta had 24 points, nine rebounds and five blocks to lead Utah State to an 80-63 victory over Saint Mary’s on Monday night in the heavyweight bracket of the MGM Main Event.

The Aggies shot 49 percent (29 of 50) from the floor, while stifling Saint Mary’s to 29 percent.

Utah State outrebounded the Gaels, 41-32, while outscoring them in the paint, 34-24. The Aggies also registered eight blocks.

Sam Merrill added 23 points with eight assists for Utah State (5-0), which is off to its best start since the 2013-14 season.

The Gaels (3-1) were led by Jordan Ford and Malik Fitts, who each scored 14 points.

Utah State will play in Wednesday’s championship game.

Utah Valley 72, Hartford 65 • Conner Toolson had 23 points and seven rebounds, helping Utah Valley beat Hartford in the middleweight bracket.

Jake Toolson added 12 points, TJ Washington had 11 and Baylee Steele 10 for Utah Valley (2-3), which advances to the championship game on Wednesday.

Utah Valley scored 12 of the first 14 points, led by as many as 14 points in the first half and it was 35-27 at the break. The Wolverines opened the second half on a 10-0 run for an 18-point lead, but Hartford cut it to 45-39 after a 12-0 run. Hartford got as close as 60-56 with 5:28 left, but Steele and Conner Toolson made baskets on back-to-back possessions.

J.R. Lynch scored a career-high 25 points for Hartford (1-4)..