Zylan Cheatham hit the crucial basket with 38 seconds remaining. San Diego State owned a 65-64 lead after the Aggies' Chris Smith missed a free throw with 1:03 left. The Aztecs ran a well-executed pick-and-roll that ended with Cheatam's reverse layup.
When the Aggies missed their next three shots, San Diego State survived Evans' 3-pointer with 2.6 left.
Utah State started well, coming off an 80-71 win at San Jose State in its Mountain West opener.
Evans buried a 3-pointer and hit a free throw to give the Aggies a 4-0 lead before San Diego State — which had converted only one of nine possessions — began rolling.