Thursday, March 12, 2009

Nevada pulls away and wins over SJSU 78-69

NOTE: We never could access the KSJS audio of the game so this report is being produced using the boxscore.

Luke Babbitt enjoyed some good games this season -- being named WAC Freshman of the Year and also receiving a spot on the ALL-WAC First Team wasn't simply bestowed upon him due to his high school rep -- but he didn't necessarily have a breakout single game performance. His rightly deserved honors were based on his cumulative seasonal efforts.

Now he has broken another barrier.

Babbitt scored 30 points -- treading towards being responsible for half Nevada's scoring -- in the Wolf Pack 78-69 quarterfinal victory over San Jose State tonight in Reno. He shot 8-13 from the field, 2-3 from long distance and a deadly 12-13 at the foul line. He also tied for the team rebounding lead with six boards.

The first half ended with a 37-31 advantage for Mark Fox's squad. The Pack out-scored the Spartans 41-38 in the second 20 minutes.

Nevada shot 52% from the floor for the contest, 26-50. San Jose State was at 47%, 27-57. It was four more treys and seven more made free throws than SJSU that provided the points differential for Nevada.

Playing in his final game, DaShawn Wright erupted for 22 points on 8-11 from the floor and a perfect 6-6 at the charity stripe. C.J,. Webster added 14 points and Adrian Oliver 12 for SJSU. Chris Oakes led in rebounding with seven.

San Jose State had 17 turnovers to Nevada's 15.

Brandon Fields, who we thought would be a factor considering his strong games of late, wasn't. He scored seven points on 2-10 shooting, including an 0-6 on his trey attempts.

The starters for San Jose State: Tim Pierce, Adrian Oliver, CJ Webster, Chris Oakes and Justin Graham.

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