Boxscore - HTM | PDF

Reno, NV - The University of Nevada persevered in a see-saw second half over Portland State, 76-73, at Lawlor Events Center. The Wolfpack never held a double-digit advantage as the lead changed hands 11 times after intermission. 

Cameron Forte tied the game for the Vikings with 3:47 to play at 67-67. But a pair of three-pointers in the final three minutes gave Nevada an edge. Still PSU had the ball and trailed 76-73 with less than 15 seconds left. But the Wolfpack defense swarmed Viking point guard Calaen Robinson preventing him from getting a shot away.

Nevada went to 4-1 on the season while Portland State dropped to 2-2.

The Vikings were slow to start, not making their first field goal for almost five minutes. PSU fell behind 8-1 before Forte hit a shot inside. Nevada led most of the first half, but never by more than eight. PSU gradually worked its way back into the game.

A driving layin by Donivine Stewart at the 2:58 mark of the half gave the Vikings their first lead at 30-29. A fast break dunk by De'Sean Parsons a moment later moved the lead to 32-29. The Wolfpack got the lead back by halftime at 34-33.

Dealing with back issues, Forte did not start in this game. Once he got on the court though, he was as effective as ever offensively scoring 11 in the first half. Isaiah Pineiro, coming off a game of 24 points and 14 rebounds at Texas Rio Grande Valley, had 10 and seven by halftime.

The two teams traded the lead 10 times in the opening eight minutes of the second half. Nevada went on a seven-point run to stretch out to a 59-51 lead with 9:28 to play. Robinson rallied the Vikings back with five points in a 9-0 PSU run to go back on top 60-59 with 7:32 remaining. That set up the exciting closing moments.

Forte led the Vikings in scoring for the third time this season, scoring 23 points with nine rebounds. He made 8-14 shots from the field and 7-8 at the free throw line. 

"We ran some good stuff for Cameron, got him some good shots," said Head Coach Tyler Geving. "He did a phenomenal job of getting to the glass and finishing against some big bodies."

Pineiro had a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. 

Robinson scored all 13 of his points in the second half, also handing out a team-high four assists. Zach Gengler was also in double figures with 10 points. 

The team stats were virtually even, indicating the closeness of the game. Nevada made just one more field goal and one more free throw and won the rebound battle, 42-40.

"We lost, but I couldn't be prouder. That was two teams going at it, hitting each other, playing physical, getting on the floor. That is going to be the most physical team we will see this year," said Geving.

Marqueze Coleman led four Nevada players in double figures with 21 points and six assists. AJ West scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

GAME NOTES: This was the first game in five years between the two schools. The all-time series is tied 4-4… Forte had his third 20-point game of the season. He is averaging 20.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and shooting over 60% from the field… Pineiro had his second straight double-double… PSU is 1-2 on the road this year… Portland State will be home on Saturday to host Multnomah, then next Wednesday against Portland. Both games tip off at 7:05 p.m. at the Stott Center. Live video, audio and stats will be available at www.GoViks.com.