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Another One: Nevada tops Air Force with tale of two halves performance

10th-ranked Wolf Pack improve to 18-1

By Isaiah Burrows
NCAA Basketball: Nevada at Fresno State Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The 10th-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack experienced another tale of two halves performance, ending in a 67-52 victory over Air Force Saturday. Trailing 24-20 at the half, Nevada outscored the Falcons 43-22 in the second half to seal the game.

THE RUNDOWN:

OFFENSE:

  • Nevada shot 42 percent from and 19 percent from three-point range (5-27). Three players only scored in double-figures including Trey Porter with 11 points and six rebounds. His energy on both ends of the floor was a real turning point for the Pack during the second half. Caleb Martin finished with 10 points on 4-15 shooting after battling flu-like symptoms the past two days.
  • Jordan Caroline Moves Up All-Time Scoring List: Jordan Caroline’s game-high 19 points moved him to eighth place on Nevada’s all-time scoring list. He’s scored in double-figures in every game this season.
  • Historically Rough First Half: Nevada’s 20-point first half performance marks the lowest point total in a half during Eric Musselman’s career at Nevada. The next lowest was 21 points during Musselman’s coaching debut with the Wolf Pack.
  • Nevada grabbed their second lead of the game thanks to back-to-back dunks from Porter. The Pack closed on a 11-6 run over the final three minutes.

DEFENSE:

  • The Pack held Air Force to 35 percent shooting from the 37 percent shooting from the floor and 27 percent shooting from three. Just one player scored in double-figures and the Falcons coughed up 21 turnovers on the night.
  • Shutdown: Nevada was out-rebounded 31-29, but the Pack kept Air Force off the free-throw line with just nine attempts. The Falcons tallied just 28 points on 9-23 shooting.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The Pack’s dreadful start didn’t end up as a loss on the column thanks to lockdown defense and timely baskets in the second half. Nevada can’t live or die by the three much longer, it keeps their opponents in the game and kills any offensive rhythm at times. We’ll see how the Pack adjust over the next stretch of conference games.

NEXT UP:

The Pack face the Colorado State Rams Feb. 6 in a home game at Lawlor Events Center. Led by junior forward Nico Carvacho, Colorado State is 7-11 overall and 2-3 in conference play.

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