Alexander and Kylie Jimenez led Nevada offensively with 18 and 12 points. Alexander’s 18 points are a season-high. In addition, Alexander stuffed the stat sheet, adding five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kylie Jimenez, who recorded her highest scoring output in a Wolf Pack uniform on Friday with 18 points, posted her second-consecutive double digit scoring performance. The Thornton, Colo., native also tabbed five rebounds, four steals and two assists. Redshirt-sophomore Alyssa Jimenez was Nevada’s third-leading scorer with eight points, four rebounds, one steal and one assist. Senior Megan Ormiston had a season-high eight rebounds to complement her four points, one assist and one steal. Senior Da’Ja Hamilton (six points, one assist, one rebound) and sophomore Kenna Holt (six points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal) also contributed big parts in Nevada’s victory.
Tied at 22 at the half, it became clear this game would go down to the wire.
Alexander opened the third quarter with a fastbreak layup. The third quarter continued to go back-and-forth until the Vandals held a 47-41 lead going into the fourth.
The fourth quarter remained in Idaho’s favor until the two-minute mark.
The Pack found itself down by seven with 2:17 left in the game, but Nevada continued to fight and make big plays when it mattered most. Alexander hit two free throws at 1:54 to cut Idaho’s lead to 60-55. Then, another Alexander steal and layup brought Nevada within three. The Pack continued its run after a Kylie Jimenez step-back jumper with seconds left on the shot clock, prompting an Idaho timeout. The Pack stepped up on defense, forcing the Vandals to take a highly contested shot that Alexander got a piece of. Kenna Holt grabbed the rebound to give Nevada an opportunity to take the last shot. An Idaho foul led to a Nevada baseline inbound play with six seconds left. Alexander’s hard cut under the basket led to another Idaho foul sent her to the line with five seconds. Despite the Vandals attempt to ice Alexander with a timeout, she remained unphased and swished both free throws. Idaho didn’t get its last shot off in time, securing the Nevada victory.
