USU beats Idaho State by 11 - 73-62

USU's Cardell Butler scores career-high of 27 in the victory

Cardell Butler's career-high 27 points and some poise in the second half carried USU to a 73-62 victory at Idaho State on Saturday. The Ags led at the half by as much as 16 points. Three minutes into the the second half, Idaho State's Jeff Gardner hit three consecutive three-pointers and the Bengals were down only 52-47. Butler helped right the Aggies with a three-pointer and a fast-break dunk. Later, his two free throws and another dunk sealed the win after ISU had come within 64-60 with 1:35 remaining. Butler was averaging only 9.5 points through USU's first four games, so his big night was well timed. The Aggies beat ISU for the eighth straight time, although last December's game in Logan was close (66-59), as was Saturday's -- until the final minute. Mike Ahmad added 14 points and Mark Brown scored 10 for Utah State (4-1). Marquis Poole led Idaho State (3-5) with 16 points. Scott Henry added 12.