[jwplayer 18QegcJn-sNi3MVSU]

Lindsey Drew and Jazz Johnson’s Performances Enough For A Wolf Pack Win

Game Recap: Nevada 72, Loyola Marymount 67

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Steve Alford gets first win as head coach in Reno.

Nevada got their first win of the Steve Alford era Saturday night as the Wolf Pack took on the Lions of Loyola Marymount in the Lawlor Events Center. Things looked a bit rough for Nevada most of the way, as a strong first half performance from junior guard Eli Scott had the Lions up 36-32 at the half. But a second half resurgence led by Jazz Johnson and Lindsey Drew who combined for 44 points helped Nevada break away just enough and allowed them to fend off later Lion scoring runs.

Loyola Marymount looked in control majority of the game, up until the start of the second half where Eli Scott got into foul trouble and was forced to spend some time on the bench. Scott was the primary ball Handler for a Lions team who was without junior guard Joe Quintana due to a preseason injury. With him on the bench they had trouble keeping up with the scoring of Nevada’s senior guards and senior forward JohnCarlos Reyes who chipped in 10 points off of continuous low post feeds. Scott eventually fouled out and the Lions could never regain their lead. 

The Wolf Pack needed a win going into week two of the season, but they still looked a bit off on offense at times and have no real scoring relief coming off of their bench. Johnson played 39 minutes and I can’t recall him leaving the court to spend that lone minute on the bench. He and Drew will need some help if the Wolf Pack want to continue on into the post season and a healthy Jalen Harris’ return might be the answer.

Next up: The Wolf Pack host the Mavericks of Texas-Arlington Tuesday Nov. 12th in Reno. The Mavericks are 2-0 on the season after a 14 point win against the Tulsa Hurricanes on Saturday in Arlington.