RENO, Nev. - Despite erasing a nine-point deficit with just 6:37 remaining, the Nevada Men's Basketball team came up just short on Tuesday evening, as they fell to New Mexico by a final score of 83-82.

Following the loss, Nevada owns an overall record of 19-6 this season, including a mark of 6-5 in Mountain West play.

The Pack had an impressive performance on the offensive end of the court, as the 82 points scored marked their third highest total in conference play, and they completed the contest with clips of 50.0 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from behind the arc, and 81.8 percent at the free throw line.

Nevada struggled defensively, allowing the Lobos to shoot 50.0 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from behind the arc, and the Pack was outrebounded by UNM, 36-31. 

Nick Davidson and Jarod Lucas led the way for Nevada, scoring 19 points apiece. Davidson also pulled down seven rebounds and recorded two blocks in the contest. Lucas reached 19 points on 6-13 shooting from the field, 2-5 from behind the arc, and a perfect 5-5 at the free throw line. The fifth-year senior also recorded two steals in the game. 

Kenan Blackshear chipped in 17 points, in addition to dishing out seven assists and pulling down six rebounds. 

K.J. Hymes had one of his most productive offensive games of the season for the Pack, scoring 11 points on a highly efficient 5-7 shooting from the field in 20 minutes of action.

Nevada received significant performances off the bench from Daniel Foster and Hunter McIntosh. Foster led Nevada in rebounding for the second consecutive game, as he pulled down eight boards in the contest, four of which came on the offensive glass. McIntosh turned in one of his best performances in Mountain West play, as he scored nine points on 3-5 shooting from behind the arc, while also dishing out four assists.

First Half

The contest was a high-scoring affair from start to finish, beginning with the first play of the game, as the Lobos controlled the opening tip and scored a layup 15 seconds into the game. 

Nevada quickly responded, as Lucas hit a baseline jumper to even the score at 2-2 at the 19:22 mark. 

The two squads continued to trade buckets over the next 5:33 of game time, as they found themselves deadlocked at 13-13 with 13:49 left in the first half. 

New Mexico began to create some separation from Nevada, as they reeled off a 10-1 run over the next three minutes and 46 seconds to build a 23-14 lead over the Pack.

The Lobos extended their lead up to 12 points, and eventually took a 45-35 lead over the Pack into halftime.

Second Half

Nevada started off the second period in strong fashion, as Hymes found a cutting Tre Coleman in the lane on the Pack's first possession and Coleman proceeded to finish a layup through contact. 

New Mexico immediately responded by scoring three points; however, Nevada ripped off a 7-0 run over 1:06 period of game time to get within four points of the Lobos, as they trailed 48-44 with 18:26 left in the game.

Nevada managed to tie the game up at 50 points apiece just over two minutes later.

New Mexico once again responded, this time in the form of a 10-0 run, as they held a 62-52 advantage with just 11:35 to go.

Nevada continued to battle back, and slowly chipped away at New Mexico's lead; however, the Pack found themselves trailing 71-62 with 6:37 left in the contest. 

Down by nine with limited time remaining, Nevada significantly elevated their intensity, and put together an 11-0 run over the next 2:23, as the Pack took a 73-71 lead over the Lobos with just 4:13 on the clock. 

The two teams went back and forth over the final 4:13, and New Mexico took an 83-82 lead with just 20 seconds left after making a 3-pointer.

Nevada got a good look on their final offensive possession; but, the shot was just off, as the Pack fell to UNM in heartbreaking fashion.

Notable Stats

• Nevada shot 51.6 percent from the field in the second half.

• The Pack had just seven turnovers throughout the game. 

• Nevada recorded 21 assists on 29 made field goals.

• The Pack knocked down 18 free throws on 22 attempts for a clip of 81.8 percent.

• Nevada limited New Mexico to just 10 fast break points.

Up Next

Nevada will travel south to Las Vegas, as they are slated to take on rival UNLV on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

Follow The Pack

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