Oregon State at Nevada
November 22, 2008
Postgame Notes
- With the 79-71 victory over Oregon State (0-2) on Saturday night at Lawlor Events Center, Nevada improved to 2-1 on the year and won its sixth straight home opener.
- The Wolf Pack has now won 13 of its last 15 home games and improved to 74-9 at Lawlor Events Center since the start of the 2003-04 season.
- Freshman Luke Babbitt led the Wolf Pack with 20 points, tying his career high from the season opener at Montana State. He led four Wolf Pack players in double figures for scoring.
- Junior Joey Shaw added 15 points, sophomore Malik Cooke set a career high for the second consecutive game with 14 and sophomore Armon Johnson chipped in with 11.
- Johnson dished out a career-high 11 assists for his first career double-double. It was also the first double-double of points and assists for the Wolf Pack since Ramon Sessions had 11 points and 10 assists in an 84-66 victory over Boise State on Jan. 15, 2005.
- Nevada turned in a season-best 20 assists and 12 steals in Saturday’s victory.
- Nevada also outrebounded the Beavers 35-27 (15-7 on the offensive glass).
- The Wolf Pack wraps up its two game homestand on Wednesday, playing host to Pacific at 7:05 p.m. at Lawlor Events Center.
Nevada Quotes
Nevada head coach Mark Fox
On the game:
“It was a difficult game because of the Princeton style offense they play. It’s a different tempo and style. We were more patient tonight. I’m happy with the win, but it was a battle. We need close games and these experiences so we can grow.”
On Babbitt’s playing time compared to McGee:
“Luke has good endurance, better stamina, is stronger and a little more mature physically as a freshman than JaVale was. Also JaVale backed up someone named Nick Fazekas as a Freshman, so it was tough to beat him out.”
On Brandon Fields’ first game back from suspension:
“Brandon’s a little rusty, but he’ll be fine. I’ve been proud of his response. All three are going to grow from this and be better people.”
On Nevada’s next game against Pacific:
“Bob Thomason is a terrific coach. He’ll have a team that is disciplined and will play well on both sides of the ball. It should test the inexperience of this team.”
Sophomore guard Armon Johnson
On the game:
“It was a great team effort, we played a really good team and I’m happy we got the win.”
Junior guard Joey Shaw
On the first home game:
“The fans helped us a lot, especially when we were down in the first half.”
On the defense:
“We’re an athletic team. Any chance we get to run will help us.”
Freshman forward Luke Babbitt
On coming back after a rough game:
“I always want to play well, especially after a bad game. We bounced back as a team and got the win. That is the most important thing, not my personal performance.”
Oregon State Quotes
Oregon State head coach Craig Robinson
On the game:
“I think we played 37 good minutes and three minutes of those were critical and I think you can disperse them through the game. We are trying to change a culture here and as rough of a game as this was for us, I see some signs. I’m not pleased we didn’t win, but I’m happy with our effort.”
On his team’s turnovers down the stretch:
“I think we threw the ball away three times in a row. It’s nerves; it’s learning how to win, and for us, it’s growing pains.”
On Josh Tarver:
“He missed one shot all night and missed two foul shots. He runs our team, and I’m pleased with the way he played. He ended up playing 40 minutes because we has some others with foul trouble.”
On Nevada:
“I’ve been a fan of Nevada since my days at Northwestern. I think [Nevada] coach Fox does a tremendous job. The team plays hard all the time. They’re a very disciplined team too. You win 20 games every year and that is something.”
