Nevada’s defense sets the tone in romp over Loyola Marymount; Wolf Pack improves to 6-0

Steve Alford often praises the Nevada team’s defense and the defense was outstanding, again, on Saturday night.

The Wolf Pack cruised past Loyola Marymount, 73-59, in front of 7,851 fans at Lawlor Events Center on Saturday, thanks largely to holding the Lions to 33 percent shooting from the field (23-59).

Jarod Lucas led the Wolf Pack with 20 points, Nick Davidson added 12 and Tre Coleman had 10 as Nevada improved to 6-0. The Pack dished out 17 assists and had just five turnovers.

Nevada lost at Loyola Marymount last season.

“I loved our energy,” Alford said after Saturday’s win. “I loved our attention to detail defensively. We really defended. We worked the last 48 hours working on ball pressure because we didn’t like what it was against Montana.”

Nevada beat Montana, 77-66, on Nov. 29,

Nevada is one of 16 remaining unbeaten Division I teams in the nation. Nevada has trailed for just 3:52 of game time this the season.

Getting defensive

Alford was happy the Pack guarded well without fouling, committing 15 foul, to 27 for the Lions.

“We really imposed our will defensively, and that’s what we’ve got to be able to do,” he said. “It was across the board defensively. Daniel Foster was terrific. Tre did a lot of great things defensively.”

Nevada made just two from the 3-point line, out of eight attempts, while the Lions were 9-30 from the arc.

Free Ones

The Wolf Pack hit 21-of-27 from the free throw line, Davidson hit 6-6 and Lucas hit 5-6; while the Lions were 10-14 from the line.

The Lions were 10-14 from the free throw line.

“We’re not shooting the ball lights out, but it’s another double-figure win because of dominating at the free throw line,” Alford said. “That’s usually an indicator sign your offense is being physical and attacking the paint.”

The Pack outscored LMU, 36-16, in the paint.

Tylan Update

Alford said Tylan Pope is about two weeks away from returning. Pope, who transferred from Tulane, suffered a hand injury before this season.

“He’s another big guard who is athletic and he ls a shot blocker. He’s a rebounder,” Alford said of the 6-foot-6, 220-pound Pope. “His gift is his physical strength.”

Series History

Nevada and LMU have played 31 times as Division I opponents, with the Lions holding a 17-14 advantage over the Pack.

Up Next

Nevada hosts UC Davis (3-3) at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The Aggies are coming off a 71-59 loss at Oregon State on Thursday.

Former Nevada player Kane Milling is a senior guard for the Aggies.

Nevada’s Upcoming Games

• Dec. 6, vs UC Davis, 6 p.m.
• Dec. 9, vs. Drake at Henderson, Nevada, 4:30 p.m.
• Dec. 13, vs. Weber State, 7 p.m.
• Dec. 17, at Hawaii, 7 p.m.
• Dec. 21, vs Temple, at Honolulu, noon
• Dec. 22, vs TCU/Old Dominion, at Honolulu
• Dec. 24, vs TBA, at Honolulu
• Dec. 30, vs. Fresno Pacific, 7 p.m.