RENO, Nev. — The Nevada Wolf Pack (17-8, 9-5 MW) travels to San Jose State (6-19, 1-13) on Tuesday evening for a Mountain West Conference contest. While the Spartans are struggling, Nevada must maintain focus as they prepare for upcoming challenges against league leaders San Diego State and Utah State. A win against San Jose State would be a crucial step in solidifying their position in the conference standings.
The matchup presents an opportunity for Nevada to fine-tune its game before facing tougher opponents. Analysts are highlighting three key areas for the Wolf Pack to focus on to secure a victory: maintaining concentration, capitalizing on interior scoring opportunities, and defending against the Spartans’ three-point shooting. The betting line currently favors Nevada by 11 points, with an over/under of 140.5 points, according to available odds.
Avoiding a Trap Game
Nevada’s contest against San Jose State falls between significant games against San Diego State and Utah State, creating a potential “trap game” scenario. San Jose State has only secured one win in 14 Mountain West games, a victory against Air Force, which remains winless in conference play. Despite their record, the Spartans have shown competitive stretches against stronger teams like Utah State and San Diego State. However, Nevada should be able to capitalize on San Jose State’s recent struggles, having lost eight consecutive games and most recently falling by 15 points at home to Grand Canyon. The Spartans are particularly vulnerable with two of their top three scorers – Yaphet Moundi and Ben Roseborough – sidelined due to injuries.
Exploiting Interior Scoring Advantages
San Jose State’s lack of size, outside of center Sadraque Nganga (6-10/220), presents an opportunity for Nevada to dominate the paint. Nganga plays 23 minutes per game but offers limited rim protection, with only three blocks in 378 minutes of play. The Spartans’ overall rim protection is among the worst in Division I basketball, ranking 343rd out of 365 teams with just 2.1 blocks per game. This weakness should allow Nevada to establish an inside presence and generate high-percentage scoring opportunities.
Nevada’s bench also has the potential to contribute significantly, particularly given San Jose State’s injury issues and limited depth. In the first matchup between these teams, the Wolf Pack’s reserves tallied 34 points on 10-of-22 shooting, adding 10 successful free throws in 12 attempts. With Jermaine Washington, the Spartans’ No. 4 scorer, also questionable, Nevada’s depth could prove decisive.
Defending the Perimeter
While lacking inside scoring prowess – shooting just 42.6 percent inside the arc in Mountain West games, the lowest in the league – San Jose State is capable of perimeter shooting. Despite the absence of their best shooter, Ben Roseborough, the Spartans attempt 23 three-pointers per game and connect on 35.3 percent of them. They have reached double-digit three-pointers seven times this season and will likely demand a similar performance to remain competitive against Nevada. The Wolf Pack, which boasts a league-best 38.7 percent from three-point range in conference games, must prioritize defending the perimeter and forcing San Jose State to drive to the basket.
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Prediction
Based on historical performance and current form, Nevada is heavily favored to win this contest. Nevada has won 30 of its last 33 games against San Jose State dating back to 2008. Considering the Spartans’ struggles in conference play – ranking near the bottom in scoring offense, scoring defense, shooting percentages, rebounding, and several other key statistical categories – a Nevada victory appears highly probable. A final score of Nevada 82, San Jose State 70 is a reasonable expectation.
Looking ahead, Nevada’s performance against San Jose State will serve as a crucial tune-up before facing the more formidable challenges of San Diego State and Utah State. The team’s ability to execute its game plan and maintain focus will be key to continued success in the Mountain West Conference.
What are your thoughts on Nevada’s chances against San Jose State? Share your predictions and comments below.
