Ball Game: Cody Martin’s game-winner stuns Boise State

Cody Martin’s game-winning three-pointer stunned the Boise State Broncos Tuesday, 72-71. The Pack also avoided a disastrous ending to their No. 10 rank in the country, as they improved to 17-1 on the season.

Alex Hobbs’ reverse layup put the Broncos up 71-69 with just over 90 seconds remaining. Caleb Martin’s three-pointer missed off the rim and put the ball back in the Broncos’ possession. Justinian Jessup missed on the other end to set up Martin’s game-winner that silenced the BSU crowd in Taco Bell Arena.

THE RUNDOWN:

OFFENSE:

• The Pack shot 52 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range (9-25). Cody Martin scored a team-high 16 points and dished out four assists. After a quick six points in the first three minutes, Caleb Martin finished with just 10 points on 3-11 shooting.
• Another Double-Double: Jordan Caroline tallied his 11th double-double this season with 15 points and 13 rebounds on the night. He also recorded his 1,500th point a Wolf Pack uniform. Caroline was the driving force inside for most of the night and kept the Pack afloat for much of the second half.
• Second Half Collapse: After building a 40-31 halftime lead, the Broncos outscored the Pack 40-32 to put them right back into the game. Both teams struggled to score in the half-court set during the final 20 minutes, but Nevada is a dangerous team when they get out and run in the open court.

DEFENSE:

• Nevada held Boise State to 42 percent shooting from the field and 24 percent from behind the arc (5-21). Four players scored in double figures, including Alex Hobbs who scored a game-high 19 points. Derrick Alston added 14 points off the bench.
• Keeping it Close: The Broncos clawed their way back to bring the game within four points with under five minutes remaining. RJ Williams’ step-back jumper put Boise State up two before Martin’s game-winner capped the potential upset.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The Pack narrowly escaped this one to say the least, and they can’t keep playing with fire if they want their spot in the top-10 to remain untouched. Nevada must find new ways to score on the inside and not depend too much on the three-pointer late in games, as it kills their offensive rhythm and fuels fast-break opportunities for the opposition. The Pack can’t keep this type of play up to avoid another upset.

NEXT UP:

Nevada faces Air Force Saturday, Jan. 19 at Lawlor Events Center. The Falcons are 6-10 this season and 1-3 in conference play.