Utah State University Aggies Basketball

2000–01 Utah State Aggies Men’s Basketball

Season Overview

Under head coach Stew Morrill, the 2000–01 Utah State Aggies put together one of the best seasons in program history. Playing in the Big West Conference, Utah State finished 28–6 overall and 13–3 in conference play, winning the Big West’s East Division and asserting itself as one of the nation’s top mid-major programs. The Aggies combined efficient half‑court offense with disciplined defense and strong home‑court play in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.

Big West Conference & Tournament

Utah State’s 13–3 Big West record earned the Aggies the regular‑season conference title and momentum heading into the league tournament. In Anaheim, they completed the job by winning the Big West Tournament championship, securing the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The run capped a dominant year in which Utah State consistently sat near the top of conference standings and national mid‑major rankings.

NCAA Tournament

The Aggies entered the 2001 NCAA Tournament as a No. 12 seed and immediately delivered one of the program’s signature wins. In the first round, Utah State upset No. 5 seed Ohio State, 77–68 in overtime, earning the school’s first NCAA Tournament victory since 1970. The Aggies’ composure in a tight, physical game and clutch play in overtime highlighted the team’s experience and toughness. Utah State’s season ended in the second round with a loss to No. 4 seed UCLA, but the NCAA run reinforced the program’s national credibility.

Key Notes

• Head Coach: Stew Morrill
• Conference: Big West (East Division)
• Overall Record: 28–6
• Conference Record: 13–3
• Postseason:
  • Big West Tournament Champions
  • NCAA Tournament: First‑round win vs. Ohio State (77–68 OT); Second‑round loss vs. UCLA