When a player sinks two three-pointers in the opening minutes of a game, it’s a clear signal of something special brewing. Ian Martinez did just that on Wednesday night, igniting Utah State’s offense in a dominant 117-53 victory over Division II Westminster in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The senior guard delivered a career-best performance, sinking 7 of 9 shots from beyond the arc and finishing with a season-high 24 points.
“My first three, well, most of them, were wide open,” Martinez said, crediting his teammates for creating opportunities. “That’s all due to the good offense we had. I don’t think I’ve ever had a game this good shooting-wise. It’s thanks to my teammates for setting me up.”
The Aggies (3-0) have started the 2024-25 season on fire, averaging a scorching 107 points per game. Martinez, named to the preseason All-Mountain West Team, has been a cornerstone of their success, averaging 19.7 points through the first three games. His exceptional performance Wednesday highlighted not just his ability as a scorer but also his leadership and efficiency.
Balanced Contributions Propel Aggies
While Martinez was the star, the Aggies showcased depth and unselfishness, with 11 of 12 players scoring. Dexter Akanno, earning his first start, contributed 17 points, while Karson Templin added a career-high 16 points. Mason Falslev (12), Tucker Anderson (11), and Jody Barnes (10) also reached double figures.
“Ian has the ability to be the Player of the Year in the Mountain West,” said head coach Jerrod Calhoun. “He’s grown immensely as a leader. His assist-to-turnover ratio has flipped positively, and he’s making his teammates better.”
The team’s shooting was electric, connecting on 54.8% of their three-point attempts (17-for-31). The Aggies also recorded a season-high 16 steals and forced 24 turnovers, demonstrating their defensive hustle.
A Unique Celebration and Personal Touch
Martinez’s on-court celebrations included an arrow-shooting motion, a gesture inspired by a young fan. “A family with three kids waited for me after the last game, and one of the kids asked if I could do that for him,” Martinez shared. “Luckily, I had a great shooting night, and I did it for him.”
Martinez intends to keep the arrow celebration as a nod to the fan, further endearing himself to the Aggie faithful.
A Look at the Stats
The Aggies dominated every facet of the game:
- Field Goal Percentage: A season-best 63.6%.
- Rebounding Battle: Outrebounded Westminster 38-29.
- Ball Security: Turnovers limited to single digits for the third consecutive game.
- Bench Strength: Utah State’s bench contributed a staggering 52 points.
Players like Aubin Gateretse (seven rebounds), Templin, and Deyton Albury (six rebounds each) showcased their hustle, while Albury also dished out six assists.
“Kill Shot” Mentality
Calhoun emphasized the team’s focus on decisive scoring bursts, a strategy he refers to as the “Kill Shot.” The Aggies have led the nation in scoring runs of at least 10 unanswered points, a testament to their explosive offensive and defensive synergy.
“The Kill Shot is something we work on in practice,” Calhoun explained. “The guys have really bought into it. It’s about getting stops and then scoring efficiently.”
Next Up: Montana
The Aggies’ impressive start continues as they prepare for their fourth straight home game against Montana on Monday. Montana (2-2) comes off a challenging 92-57 loss to No. 11 Tennessee. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., and Utah State will look to keep its high-powered offense rolling.
For Martinez and the Aggies, the sky’s the limit as they continue to refine their chemistry and execution under Calhoun’s guidance. “I love coaching this group,” the coach said, summing up the team’s early success.
As Utah State builds momentum, one thing is clear: Ian Martinez and the Aggies are not just winning—they’re making a statement.
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