RENO, Nev. (Interstat) — Nevada used a highly efficient offensive performance and a decisive advantage at the free-throw line to defeat Boise State 81-66 in a Mountain West Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Lawlor Events Center. The Wolf Pack (9-3) shot 55.6% from the floor and converted 27 of 34 free throws. The Broncos (8-4) struggled from the line, making just 19 of 31 attempts. Nevada led 36-26 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half before a crowd of 9,091. Tayshawn Comer led Nevada with 24 points. Andrew Meadow scored 16 points for Boise State.

RENO, Nev. (Interstat) — In a commanding display of efficiency and defensive pressure, the Nevada Wolf Pack secured a decisive 81-66 victory over the Boise State Broncos in a Mountain West Conference men’s basketball game Saturday night at a sold-out Lawlor Events Center. A crowd of 9,091 watched Nevada improve to 9-3 overall, while Boise State fell to 8-4. The Wolf Pack, which led 36-26 at halftime, never trailed and consistently answered any attempt by the Broncos to mount a comeback. The most critical stretch of the game came early in the second half, when Nevada extinguished Boise State’s last significant push. After the Broncos cut the deficit to eight points at 36-28, the Wolf Pack unleashed a 13-4 run over the next three minutes. The surge was fueled by defensive stops and the offensive prowess of guard Tayshawn Comer, who scored or assisted on seven points during the burst. His transition jumper at the 16:16 mark capped the run, giving Nevada a 49-32 lead and forcing a Boise State timeout. The Broncos would not get closer than 13 points for the remainder of the contest. Comer, a junior from Indianapolis, was the game’s standout performer, leading all scorers with 24 points and adding four assists. His ability to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line, where he went 10 for 12, was a central component of Nevada’s offensive plan. He was supported by Elijah Price of Long Beach, California, who contributed 11 points, and a balanced attack that saw Chuck Bailey and Vaughn Weems each add eight points. For Boise State, Andrew Meadow of Santa Clarita, California, led the way with 16 points, while Dominic Parolin of Coquitlam, Canada, added 13 points and Spencer Ahrens of Oakville, Canada, chipped in 11 points off the bench. The statistical sheet told a story of Nevada’s comprehensive control. The Wolf Pack shot a blistering 55.6% from the field (25 of 45) compared to Boise State’s 44.4% (20 of 45). Nevada’s advantage was most pronounced at the free-throw line, where it made 27 of 34 attempts. The Broncos struggled profoundly from the charity stripe, converting only 19 of 31. Nevada also won the turnover battle, committing just seven while forcing 13 Boise State miscues. The Wolf Pack converted those into a 9-6 edge in steals and a 15-4 advantage in points off turnovers. Offensive efficiency metrics underscored the disparity, as Nevada scored 81 points on just 63 possessions for an offensive rating of 128.3, while Boise State managed 66 points on 66 possessions for a rating of 100.4. The result flipped the pregame projections, as Boise State had entered as a 3-point favorite according to sportsbooks. The combined score of 147 points fell under the betting total of 140.5. Nevada will look to build on the conference-opening win when it travels to face Colorado State next Tuesday. Boise State, which saw a two-game win streak snapped, returns home to host New Mexico on Dec. 30.

BOISE STATE, NEVADA MEET IN MOUNTAIN WEST SHOWDOWN RENO, Nev. (Interstat) — Two of the Mountain West’s hottest teams will put identical records on the line Saturday when the Boise State Broncos visit the Nevada Wolf Pack at Lawlor Events Center. Both teams enter the contest at 8-3 overall, having won four of their last five games. The matchup serves as the conference opener for both programs and offers an early statement opportunity in the league race. Boise State arrives riding a four-game winning streak, most recently edging Saint Mary’s 68-67 last Sunday. The Broncos have been powered by the surge of sophomore forward Drew Fielder. Over his last three games, Fielder is averaging 20.3 points, including a 22-point performance against Saint Mary’s and a 23-point outing in a win over Duquesne. “He’s playing with tremendous confidence right now,” Boise State coach Leon Rice said of Fielder earlier this week. “His efficiency and scoring punch have been vital for us.” Nevada counters with its own momentum, coming off a 78-75 home victory over Duquesne last Saturday. The Wolf Pack have won five straight at Lawlor Events Center this season. Guard Peyton White has provided consistent production, scoring in double figures in four consecutive contests. In the win over Duquesne, White logged 23 minutes and contributed 12 points. “We’re defending our home court well, and that’s a point of pride,” Nevada coach Steve Alford said. “Boise is always tough, well-coached, and they’re playing great basketball. It’s a big one to start conference play.” The Broncos’ recent success includes a notable 77-68 road win at Butler on Dec. 6. Nevada’s resume features a 78-64 victory at Washington State on Dec. 7. Both teams have protected the ball well, with each averaging fewer than 12 turnovers per game. Historically, games between these two have been tightly contested. The home team has won the last four meetings in the series. Following this game, Boise State will break for the holiday before hosting New Mexico on Dec. 30. Nevada will hit the road to face Colorado State on the same date. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST. The game will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.