LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sam Merrill had 27 points and seven assists, Neemias Queta scored 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, and No. 2 seed Utah State never trailed in its 89-82 win over Wyoming in the Mountain West Conference tournament semifinals.

Utah State plays top-seeded and fifth-ranked San Diego State — which swept the regular-season series between the teams — for an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

Merrill scored seven consecutive points during a 13-0 run that made it 79-66 with 1:28 to go.

Kenny Foster had 18 points and Hunter Maldonado added 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists for Wyoming.