Nevada defeats Duquesne 78-75
Nevada Edges Duquesne in Thrilling Non-Conference Showdown
The Lawlor Events Center played host to an instant classic on Monday evening, as the University of Nevada hosted Duquesne in a non-conference matchup that would go down to the wire. In the end, the Wolf Pack emerged victorious, 78-75.
A Back-and-Forth Affair
The first half was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The Wolf Pack held a slim 42-35 advantage at intermission, but Duquesne's offense found its groove in the second half. Despite being outscored by four points, the Dukes closed the gap to just three with under five minutes remaining.
Nevada's Comer Leads the Charge
Tayshawn Comer led the charge for Nevada, scoring 16 points on 38.5% shooting from the field. The senior forward also contributed nine rebounds and a steal, but it was his clutch performance down the stretch that proved decisive.
Duquesne's Guinyard Shines Bright
For Duquesne, Tarence Guinyard was unstoppable, scoring 21 points on 45.5% shooting from three. The senior guard's hot streak included five made threes in the second half alone, but ultimately fell short of leading his team to a stunning upset.
Advanced Statistics Point to Nevada's Dominance
In terms of advanced statistics, both teams were relatively evenly matched. However, the Wolf Pack's ability to limit Duquesne to 39% shooting from the field and force 13 turnovers gave them an edge in key areas. Nevada's true shooting percentage (55.7%) was also higher than Duquesne's (55.3%), a testament to their more efficient offense.
The Result: A Thrilling Win for Nevada
The final margin of three points was a close call, but ultimately, the Wolf Pack's superior performance earned them the win. With the victory, Nevada improves to 8-2 on the season, while Duquesne falls to 7-3. The loss will sting for the Dukes, who were expected to be a strong contender in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
The win marked a significant statement for Nevada, which is now ranked #25 in the AP Poll. A non-conference win over a Power Five program like Duquesne is always notable, but this one was especially impressive given the Wolf Pack's recent struggles on the road.
In the end, it was a game that neither team will soon forget, and one that will have significant implications for both teams moving forward in the season.