Nevada falls to Wyoming 71-80, putting NCAA tournament bid in jeopardy

By Jalen Robinson

For the last road game of the season, the Pack came up short 80-71 against a struggling University of Wyoming Cowboys team. Qualifying as their first quad 3-4 loss of the season, the Pack put themselves at risk for not only an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament but a top two seed in the Mountain West Conference tournament. This dropped them out of the top two spots in the conference, with Boise replacing the Pack. Heading into their last road game of the season, the Wolf Pack looked to come out with back-to-back wins on the road to end the season. After just coming off a close four-point win to an underwhelming Fresno State Bulldogs team, the Pack needed a statement victory before the season finale. With questions swirling, the Pack took the floor and immediately made a splash. Tre Coleman, Nevada forward, started off hot with a fast nine points within the first five minutes. The Cowboys would quickly come back, but not before the Pack consistently tamed Wyoming with their own offense, as Lucas retaliated with his threepointers. Though, with quick foul trouble in the first half, the Pack had to turn to the bench quickly for support. Although withstanding most of the first half with foul trouble, the benched players managed enough through the first half to only trial the Cowboys 40-37 at the half. Returning from half, the big three of Lucas, Blackshear, and Baker played a significant role out of the gatee again, scoring and getting out to an early second-half lead. But not so fast, as the second-half shooting woes would continue.

After a hot start, the Nevada flame dwindled as the shots fell cold. The Cowboys steamrolled back from a sevenpoint deficit in the second half, all while the Pack failed to convert and get a basket for seven straight minutes. With seconds chipping off the clock, so did the Pack and their play, especially with key players in foul trouble. In the end, Will Baker, Nevada center, and Jarod Lucas, Nevada guard, combined for 46 of the team’s 71 points. But, it wasn’t enough, as the Cowboys had two players over 25+ points.

The Pack ended up blowing the second-half lead and potentially their chances of an at-large bid. Even though losing their last away game of the season hurts insurmountably, all hope is not lost for the Pack. They are still a top-four seed in the Mountain West, and have a chance at revenge for what their arch-rivals, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels, did to them in Las Vegas on Jan. 28.

The Pack looks to bounce back with a season finale win as they host the UNLV Rebels in their last home game on Saturday, March 4 at 2 pm. The Pack looks to not get swept in the season series by their rivals and also secure a much-needed conference win on senior night at the Lawlor Events Center.