Nevada Basketball: Wolf Pack survives challenge from Portland State

In the home opener for Nevada, the Wolf Pack grinded out a 76-73 victory over a tough Portland State team in Reno on Wednesday night.

Nevada did not shoot the ball well tonight as they only shot 42 percent from the field and only 28 percent from the three-point line but Nevada did get to the free throw line going 13 for 19 from the charity stripe and out-rebounded the Vikings 42-40 in tonight's contest.

The game went down to the wire when at the three-minute mark of the game with the score tied of 67-67 when Marqueze Coleman found Eric Coooper Jr., for a three pointer to give the Wolf Pack a 70-67 lead. But the Vikings had a chance to tie the game, when after Wolf Pack point guard Lindsey Drew missed his second free throw, it was rebounded by Portland State and Calaen Robinson attempted a three pointer to tie the game but he could not get the shot off at the buzzer as he was defended by DJ Fenner and Tyron Criswell as the Wolf Pack survived.

For Nevada, Marqueze Coleman led all Wolf Pack scorers with 21 points while DJ Fenner chipped in with 12 points tonight. Wolf Pack forward AJ West came off the bench tonight because head coach Eric Musselman did not like his effort this week scored 16 points while Eric Cooper Jr., scored 11 points tonight. For Portland State, Cameron Forte, the Georgia transfer, led all Viking scorers with 29 points and nine rebounds while forward Isaiah Pineiro scored 13 points and 11 rebounds. Also for Portland State, Arizona transfer Calaen Robinson scored 13 points.

Nevada's win tonight improves their record to 4-1 and that record matches Nevada's best start by a first year head coach since 2004-2005 when Mark Fox started 4-1. The Wolf Pack's next game will be on Saturday night in Reno as they face Cal State Fullerton.