Nevada (11-3) vs. Air Force (9-5)
Saturday, Dec. 31 - 11 AM PT
Colorado Springs, Colo. - Clune Arena
TV: Mountain West Network
Radio: ESPN 94.5 FM (John Ramey/Len Stevens) // The Varsity Network app
Live Stream: https://bit.ly/3WyqTMw
Live Stats: https://bit.ly/3VCTmiS
RENO, Nev. - Following a thrilling comeback victory in the final seconds over Boise State to initiate Mountain West play, the University of Nevada Men's Basketball team will travel to Colorado Springs for their second conference tilt against Air Force.
The Pack earned a phenomenal win over Boise State to kick off conference play, outscoring the Broncos, 18-9, over the final 4:22 to erase a seven-point deficit and earn a 74-72 victory to remain undefeated at home.
Kenan Blackshear was sensational down the stretch, scoring nine points over the final 2:05. He also scored the game-winning bucket with just three seconds to go, fueling the Pack to victory.
Blackshear had an overall outstanding performance in the game, scoring a team-high 20 points on 7-12 shooting from the field and 6-7 from the free throw line, while also tallying a game-high five assists and two steals. Over Nevada's past five games, Blackshear is averaging an exceptional 18.6 points per game on 52.5 percent shooting, in addition to 3.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
Blackshear currently ranks second in the Mountain West in assists per game (5.1), 11th in scoring (14.2 PPG), 12th in steals (1.2 SPG), 21st in rebounding (5.1 RPG), and 7th in free throw percentage (81.2%).
Jarod Lucas had a strong offensive outing for the Pack, finishing second on the team in scoring, pouring in 14 points while knocking down 3-6 shots from behind the arc. Lucas has now reached double figures in scoring in 13 of 14 games this season, including 12 straight contests. Lucas has also made three or more 3-pointers in eight of Nevada's 14 games.
Lucas currently ranks first in the conference in total scoring (233 points), second in 3-point field goals per game (2.9), fourth in 3-point field goal percentage (38.5%), and third in free throw percentage (87.1%).
Will Baker also had an impressive outing against Boise State, scoring 13 points on 4-7 shooting from the field, including 11 points in the second half alone. Over Nevada's past two games, Baker is averaging 18.0 points per game on an unbelievable 81.3 percent shooting from the field and 90 percent from the free throw line. Baker is also pulling down five boards per game over that stretch. He currently ranks second in the entire Mountain West in free throw percentage, as he is hitting 87.2 percent of his attempts at the line.
Tre Coleman has been stellar in all aspects of the game as of late, and he maintained his strong play against the Broncos. Coleman scored seven points on 2-4 shooting from behind the arc, while also grabbing a season-high seven rebounds and dishing out four assists.
Coleman is averaging 6.0 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game over the Pack's current three-game winning streak.
Tyler Powell and Nick Davidson each had two of their best offensive performances of the season off the bench for the Pack, scoring eight points apiece to help Nevada's bench outscore the Broncos' bench, 17-3. Powell hit three of his five shot attempts in the game, including draining 2-4 shots from behind the arc, while Davidson hit 3-4 shots from the field and both of his free throw attempts.
As a team, Nevada continues to rank in the top-five of the Mountain West in almost every defensive category. The Pack are currently second in the conference in opponent field goal percentage (39.1%), fifth in opponent 3-point field goal percentage (31.2%), fifth in defensive rebounding (27.6 per game), and fifth in turnovers forced (173). Nevada's opponent field goal percentage also ranks 23rd in the entire country.
Offensively, Nevada had an impressive performance against Boise State from behind the arc, knocking down 10-23 shots from behind the arc, and they are now shooting 34.7 percent from 3-point range this season. The Pack also recorded 14 assists on 23 made field goals, and they are averaging 14.1 assists per game this year.
As a team, Nevada is shooting a phenomenal 78.5 percent from the free-throw line, marking the 11th-best clip in the country. Nevada also ranks third in the country in made free throws this season (259), and 15th in total attempts (330).
A strong Air Force team that has been solid on both ends of the floor this season stands in the way of Nevada beginning conference play 2-0 for the first time since 2019-20 as well as achieving their fourth consecutive victory.
Scouting Air Force
Air Force had a solid run through the nonconference portion of their schedule, entering conference play with a record of 9-3 before falling to San Diego State in their Mountain West opener.
The Falcons have been one of the best 3-point shooting and defensive teams in the conference this season, as they rank third in the Mountain West in both 3-point field goal percentage (36.2%), and scoring defense, limiting their opponents to just 62.1 points per contest.
Air Force has been particularly good at protecting the paint, as they currently lead the conference in blocks per game (4.9).
The Falcons have a plethora of threats on the offensive end of the floor, as they have seven different players that are averaging at least 6.4 points per game this season. Sophomore guard Jake Heidbreder has led the way, putting up 15.0 points per game on 48.5 percent shooting from the field and 39.8 percent from three this year.
As solid as the Falcons have presented themselves offensively and defensively this season, they have struggled to rebound. The team currently ranks last in the Mountain West in rebounds per game (31.0 RPG).
Nevada will need to protect the 3-point line and dominate the glass to pick up their fourth consecutive victory and begin conference play 2-0.
Series History
The Pack holds an all-time record of 15-3 against the Falcons, and they won the most recent matchup against Air Force last January, 75-68.
Single-Game Tickets on Sale Now
Single-game tickets for 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.
