Nov. 24, 2003
Final Stats
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Chalk one up for the Nevada, Reno Wolf Pack. UNR's Kirk Synder had a game-high 20 points, and freshman Nick Fazekas added 13 points Monday, as the Wolf Pack beat UNLV 74-62, earning a rare victory over its instate rival.
The matchup traditionally favors the Rebels, who despite the loss, lead the all-time series 48-17. UNLV also holds a 27-5 record at home against their Northern Nevada foe.
"I'm not caught up in the rivalry stuff," UNR coach Trent Johnson said. "The rivalry is more for the fans and the media." The Wolf Pack (2-1) led 36-24 at halftime and never surrendered the double-digit lead. They held UNLV to 36-percent shooting, including 1-of-13 on 3-pointers.
"We try to pride ourselves on getting better each time out," Johnson said.
In part, that meant tightening defense. UNR, who lost to top-ranked Connecticut 93-79 in the second round of the Preseason NIT last Wednesday, made 15-of-17 foul shots.
The Wolf Pack trailed 13-10 at the 9:48 mark of the first half but went on a 26-11 run to close out the half and never looked back. Fazekas had 14 rebounds and hit a 3-pointer to highlight the rally.
UNLV (1-1) went on an 11-5 run over the final five minutes, but it was too little too late. Odartey Blankson led the Rebels with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jerel Blassingame added 16 points and Romel Beck had 13.
