Reno, Nev. – The University of Nevada Men’s Basketball Team will host the Western Athletic Conference preseason favorite, Grand Canyon, this Saturday with tip-off set for 1 p.m. at the Lawlor Events Center.
Preview
Nevada (1-0) will seek to begin the 2022-23 season with two consecutive victories; but, it will be a difficult feat, as they will face an experienced Grand Canyon team led by preseason WAC player of the year, Jovan Blacksher.
Tomorrow’s matchup will feature the Wolf Pack’s high scoring offense, which ranks third in the Mountain West Conference at 84 points per game, against a stout Grand Canyon defense that ranks first in the WAC, as the Antelopes have only allowed 52 points per game thus far.
An array of Wolf Pack players showcased their offensive ability in the season opening win over Utah Tech, as Nevada had seven different players score at least eight points in the contest.
Jarod Lucas led the way for the Pack in his first game wearing a Nevada uniform, scoring a game-high 17 points and knocking down 7-7 shots from the free-throw line. Freshman forward Darrion Williams had a sensational debut for the Wolf Pack, scoring 15 points on 5-7 shooting, while grabbing nine rebounds in 20 minutes of action. His 15 points scored were the most by a Nevada freshman in his or her debut game since 2010.
Kenan Blackshear had an exceptional outing at point guard for the Wolf Pack, recording a game-high seven assists, and tallying three steals on the defensive end. Blackshear showcased a strong ability to facilitate the Wolf Pack offense in the first game of the season.
Nevada also had a strong performance on the defensive end of the court, forcing 16 Utah Tech turnovers and amassing nine blocks, five of which came from K.J. Hymes, marking a new career-high for the senior. The Wolf Pack held Cameron Gooden, Utah Tech’s returning leading-scorer from last season, to just 5-15 shooting from the floor during the contest.
The Pack will seek to have a similar defensive effort and shut down a high-powered Grand Canyon offense on Saturday.
Scouting Grand Canyon
Led by Head Coach Bryce Drew, the Antelopes began the season with two consecutive victories, taking down 2021-22 Big Sky Champions Montana State in their season opener, followed by a blowout win over San Diego Christian this past Wednesday.
The Antelopes are led by 2021-22 First Team All WAC honoree and 2022-23 preseason Conference Player of the Year, Jovan Blacksher. Blacksher is averaging 17 points and 2 assists per game this season on 50 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent from three.
Preseason All-WAC Second Team honoree, Gabe McGlothan, has combined for a formidable duo with Blacksher, as McGlothan ranks second on the team in scoring (13.0 ppg) and first in rebounding (7.5 rpg).
For as much talent as Grand Canyon possesses, they have struggled offensively at times, particularly from behind the three-point line, as they are 17-55 on the season.
The Antelopes have been exceptional on defense, holding Montana State to a mere 54 points and San Diego Christian to 50.
The Wolf Pack will need to have a similar offensive performance to their season opener if they hope to earn a victory on Saturday.
Notable Stats:
Jarod Lucas is one point away from reaching the 1,000-point scoring mark for his career.
Will Baker currently has 198 rebounds in his career.
Tre Coleman is two made field goals away from achieving 100 throughout his career.
Nevada ranks first in the Mountain West Conference in assists per game, averaging 21 per contest.
The Wolf Pack rank first in the Mountain West Conference in blocks per game, averaging 9.0 per contest.
Starting at point guard, Kenan Blackshear had a game-high seven assists in Nevada’s season opening win.
Series History
The Wolf Pack has faced off against Grand Canyon twice throughout history, winning one game and losing another. The two teams last faced each other on the court in 2020, with Grand Canyon earning an 87-77 victory at home.
Nevada (1-0) vs. Grand Canyon (2-0)
Saturday, Nov. 12 – 1 p.m.
Reno, Nev. – Lawlor Events Center
TV: Nevada Sports Net
Radio: ESPN 94.5 FM (PxP: John Ramey; Analyst: Len Stevens) // The Varsity Network app
