Nevada (2-0) vs. William Jessup (4-2)

Tuesday, Nov. 15  - 1 p.m.

Reno, Nev. - Lawlor Events Center

TV: Nevada Sports Net

Radio: ESPN 94.5 FM (PxP: John Ramey; Analyst: Len Stevens) // The Varsity Network app

Live Stream: https://nevadasportsnet.com/watch

Live Stats: https://nevadawolfpack.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary

Reno, Nev. - Coming off of a 13-point victory over the Western Athletic Conference preseason favorite, Grand Canyon, this past Saturday, the University of Nevada Men's Basketball team will host William Jessup University Tuesday night at 7pm, as the Wolf Pack will seek to begin the season with three consecutive victories for just the fourth time in the past 15 years. 

Preview

Nevada (2-0) will look to extend their season-opening winning streak against William Jessup (4-2) on Tuesday night. 

Saturday's game will include a Pack Provisions Canned Food Drive, and tickets will be available at the ticket office window for only $5 with a canned food donation.

The Warriors currently hold the number six overall ranking in the NAIA Men's Basketball Coaches poll, and the team features a high-powered offense that is averaging over 85 points per game on 48 percent shooting from the field this season.

Nevada has been solid on offense during their first two contests; however, their defense has been exceptional, as they are currently holding opponents to just 58.5 points per game on 33.6 percent shooting, marking the 37th best field-goal percentage defense in the country.

The Wolf Pack rank in the top-five of the Mountain West in a multitude of defensive categories, including opponent points per game (3rd), opponent field goal percentage (3rd), opponent 3-point field goal percentage (3rd), defensive rebounds (4th), steals (5th), and blocks (1st). 

Nevada's interior defense has been fueled by senior K.J. Hymes, who currently ranks first in the conference and is tied for 19th in the entire country in blocks per game (3.0). 

The Wolf Pack backcourt has done a tremendous job of putting pressure on opposing guards and limiting quality outside shots, as Nevada is holding opponents to a measly 28.9 percent shooting from behind the arc this season.

Offensively, Nevada has been led by senior guard Kenan Blackshear, who has thrived at the point guard position this season.

Blackshear is averaging a team-high 14.5 points per game on 50 percent shooting from the field, and he ranks second overall in the Mountain West in assists per game, dishing out 6.0 per contest this season.

Blackshear matched his career-high with a 20-point outing against Grand Canyon, in addition to recording a game-high five assists and five steals, while pulling down a team-high six rebounds in the contest. 

Senior guard Jarod Lucas currently ranks second on the squad in scoring, averaging 13.0 points per contest. Lucas surpassed the 1,000-point scoring mark for his career against Grand Canyon, and he has now scored 1,008 points in college. 

Freshman forward Darrion Williams has also made a strong impact on the offensive end of the court, and he was just recognized as the first Mountain West Freshman of the Week after averaging 10.5 points on 63.6 percent shooting from the field, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game across Nevada's two wins last week. 

7-foot center Will Baker found his stroke from outside on Saturday, drilling three 3-pointers in the second half alone. The redshirt-junior ranks third on the team in scoring this season at 11.0 points per game. 

The Wolf Pack will seek to maintain their stingy defense against William Jessup and control the tempo of the game offensively, as they seek to secure their third straight victory to begin the season.

Scouting William Jessup

The Warriors prefer to push the tempo of the game and get out in transition whenever they can. They also rely heavily on the 3-point line, as they are averaging 28.7 attempts from behind the arc per game, accounting for 45 percent of their total shots. They are shooting an impressive 39 percent on their 3-point attempts this year. 

Senior guard Cashemin Williams has been a strong asset this season, as he is currently averaging a team-high 22.8 points per game on 54.3 percent shooting from the field, 50 percent from 3-point range, and 92.5 percent from the free-throw line. Williams is also averaging a team-high 6.7 assists per contest, and he owns an assist to turnover ratio of 3.3.

Sophomore guard Myles Corey has also had a strong season, creating a formidable duo in the backcourt alongside Williams. Corey is averaging 15.7 points per game on 47.9 percent shooting from the field. 

The Wolf Pack will need to protect the 3-point line and prevent the Warriors fast-paced offense from getting out in transition, forcing them to make plays in half court settings. 

Notable Stats:

• K.J. Hymes ranks first in the Mountain West Conference in blocks per game, averaging 3.0 per contest.

• Kenan Blackshear is averaging 6.0 assists per game, which ranks second overall in the Mountain West.

• Following a stellar start to his college career, Darrion Williams was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Week on Monday morning.

• The Pack rank first in the conference and 39th overall in the nation in free-throw percentage, knocking down 78.3 percent of their attempts from the line this season.

• Nevada ranks fourth overall in rebounding in the Mountain West, pulling down an average of 36.5 per game.

• The Pack are averaging a conference leading 9.0 blocks per game.

Series History

Nevada and William Jessup have played only once before, and the Wolf Pack earned an 86-64 victory over the Warriors in 2020. 

Pack Provisions

Pack Provisions is the on-campus food pantry that serves the University of Nevada, Reno community. This is a completely free resource that is available for all members of the Wolf Pack to utilize whenever they are in need. This resource can be accessed by students, staff, and faculty. Our pantry is located inside of the Center for Student Engagement, which is on the third floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union. 

Tickets for Tuesday night's game will be only $5 at the ticket office window with a canned food donation.

Single-Game Tickets on Sale Now 

Single-game tickets for future Nevada men's basketball home contests are available at www.mynevadatickets.com. Fans may also purchase single-game tickets for the season by phone at 775-348-PACK (7225). Those who have questions or need assistance may also contact the ticket office by phone or by emailing wolfpackticketinfo@unr.edu. 

Follow The Pack 

Follow Nevada Men's Basketball on social media at @NevadaHoops (Twitter), @nevadahoops (Instagram), and on Facebook at @NevadaMBB.