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by Chris Murray
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The Nevada men’s basketball team hosts San Jose State on Saturday afternoon on Nevada Sports Net. Nevada Sports Net’s Chris Murray breaks down the game with his three keys to victory and prediction. This feature is presented in partnership with Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney.
When: Saturday, 3 p.m.
Where: Lawlor Events Center (11,536 capacity)
TV/Radio: Nevada Sports Net/95.5 FM
Online: NevadaSportsNet.com
Betting line: No line posted
1. Remain aggressive on offense: Nevada is coming off a woeful 10-of-23 free throw shooting performance in its last game and has struggled from the stripe this season, hitting just 68.1 percent of its freebies (290th in the nation). But the Wolf Pack can’t hesitate in attacking the basket against San Jose State, which has struggled to protect the rim. The Spartans have allowed opponents to make 52.8 percent of its twos (279th in the nation) and doesn’t have much shot blocking – just 2.7 per game – despite possessing good post size. Nevada needs to continue to be aggressive going toward the hoop and stick with its inside-out game despite there potentially being some trepidation at the free throw line given Tuesday's woes. And, yes, when Nevada gets to the free throw line against San Jose State, it must make those shots.
2. Defend the 3-point line: Nevada’s 3-point defense has waned as the season has progressed with the Wolf Pack allowing opponents to make 37.8 percent of its threes over the last 10 games after holding foes to 29.1 percent shooting from three in its first seven. Those open threes have been a symptom of Nevada’s defense not being as sharp during its recent struggles (4-6 in the last 10 games). San Jose State is a capable distance shooting team, hitting 34.5 percent of its treys, including 37.9 percent in league play (third best in the MW). Five of Nevada’s last seven opponents have made at least 37 percent of their threes, so this is an area the Wolf Pack must improve, especially against a Spartans squad that has had some shooting success.
3. Strong closes to the halves: Nevada did not play well against Air Force but pulled out a 68-62 win thanks to a 10-2 run to end the first half and 12-2 run to end the second half. Closing halves well has not been a strength for Nevada, which has typically eased off the gas late in the first half and failed to execute the big plays to end the game. But there were some encouraging signs for Nevada’s late-game ability against the Falcons, especially the play of Kobe Sanders, who has the potential to be the best player in the MW but has not flexed that often in crucial late-game situations. He did against Air Force, hitting a big jumper, two key free throws and making plays to set up two open 3-pointers for his teammates to surge to victory. This game should be close; Nevada must be sharp down the stretch.
Nevada 72, San Jose State 68: I picked San Jose State to beat Nevada once, that coming in 2022-23, and the Wolf Pack won that game by 27 points. So, I won’t do that again, although I was tempted to pick the Spartans. Yes, Nevada has won its last two games, but both were against terrible teams – Fresno State and Air Force – and the Wolf Pack barely squeaked out each of those. Nevada will have to play better to top San Jose State, which has a more capable roster and is coming off a big win over New Mexico while also playing Boise State, Utah State and UNLV close. There seems to be more in Nevada than it's showing, and it must play better to beat the Spartans. Season record: 11-6
Columnist Chris Murray provides insight on Northern Nevada sports. Contact him at crmurray@sbgtv.com or follow him on Twitter at @ByChrisMurray.
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