After a few rough outings, the Wolf Pack dug deep Tuesday night to fend off a determined UC San Diego squad, surviving 76–70 in front of a lively crowd at Lawlor Events Center. The win gives Nevada a much-needed boost as they navigate a rugged early-season slate. From the opening tip, Nevada looked ready to set the tone.
Photo Cred: Mountain West Connection
The Pack knocked down three straight triples to surge ahead 9–4, then added another three-pointer from starter Corey Camper Jr. to push the lead to 11 points with roughly seven minutes left in the first half. By halftime, Nevada led 35–27 — buoyed by sharp shooting and a defense that limited UC San Diego’s perimeter success. But the Tritons weren’t ready to go quietly.
UC San Diego came out aggressive in the second half, slicing into the margin and eventually seizing a 47–46 edge with just under 12 minutes remaining, thanks to a corner three from guard Alex Chaikin. That’s when Nevada responded. A quick 8–0 run restored the advantage, and from there the Pack built momentum and composure. Core backcourt contributions proved crucial — aside from Camper Jr., senior guard Tayshawn Comer added 12 points and six assists, orchestrating the offense and knocking down key shots whenever UCSD threatened a comeback.
Photo Cred: The Nevada Sagabrush
Freshman forward/wing Peyton White also delivered under pressure, finishing with 11 points and a team-best nine rebounds, helping Nevada win the battle on the boards 45–36. Defensive intensity played a major role. The Wolf Pack limited the Tritons to one of their worst perimeter performances of the season, holding UC San Diego to just 26.1% from beyond the arc. Plastic-covered rims rattled as Nevada contested drives, cleaned the glass, and disrupted passing lanes, turning stops into transition opportunities.
As the clock wound down, the game remained tight. UCSD pulled within two with just over a minute remaining, but Nevada held firm in the clutch. Camper Jr. knocked down free throws after a wild scramble for a loose ball, and though the Tritons got one final look, the Pack forced a miss to seal it. For Nevada, this wasn’t a flashy blowout — it was a gritty, disciplined win that showcased their depth, defensive resolve, and ability to execute under pressure. With the victory, the Wolf Pack move to 6–3 overall and look to build on the momentum as they head toward conference play.
