The Wolf Pack hit a program-record 16 3-pointers in an 81-57 win over San Jose State on Thursday, but it was the last one that really got the crowd (and Nevada bench) excited.
The trey came from the fingers of sophomore walk-on Brice Crook, who tallied his first career points in a Wolf Pack uniform.
The Galena High graduate -- who was Luke Babbitt's teammate on the Grizzlies' 2007 state title team -- triggered the successful 3-pointer from the left corner with 59.6 seconds remaining in the game.
"The guys really wanted to get him one and Keith (Fuetsch) penetrated, drilled the defender and kicked it out to him on the wing and he's pretty automatic," forward Olek Czyz said.
The Wolf Pack bench went wild after the 3-pointer, and Crook raced back on defense with a smile glued to his face. This is Crook's first season with the Wolf Pack after he began his college career as a hockey player on the East Coast.
Crook played the role of SJSU guard James Kinney, one of the top 3-point shooters in the WAC, on the Nevada scout team all week.
"I'll tell you what," point guard Deonte Burton said. "He was hitting them in practice all week."
Said coach David Carter: "He made every three in practice. When he got in the game, I said, 'If you make them in practice, you should at least make one in the game.'"
Carter said it was nice to see Crook hit a shot in a game after all the hard work he's put into practice.
"It was big," Carter said. "I always enjoy watching a kid who works hard, who's paying his own way, get in and contribute. That's always good to see, and the guys were really pulling for him, as well."
Crook had previously appeared in three games, but the 3-point make was his first shot attempt. His teammates told him to get a shot up if he got on the court against SJSU.
"He's got nothing to lose," Czyz said with a laugh.
PACK CURBING TURNOVERS
The Wolf Pack struggled with turnovers early this season but has chopped down on its miscues over the past four games.
Nevada tied a season-low with eight turnovers for the second straight game and is averaging only 10 turnovers per game in the past four contests. That comes after the Wolf Pack averaged 14.6 turnovers per game in its first 12 games.
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"I talk to guys about making what we call singles versus home runs," Carter said. "Not trying to thread the needle. Not trying to make the fancy pass. But making the simple pass. I think Deonte's a big part of that. He hasn't turned the ball over that many times in this recent stretch."
Burton has only 10 turnovers over the past eight games while piling up 40 assists, his most efficient stretch since joining the Pack before last season.
SJSU PLAYER SETS CAREER HIGH
SJSU's Stephon Smith set a career high with 14 points and tied a career best with seven rebounds.
The freshman forward made 6-of-10 shots from the field. The rest of the Spartans were 14-of-53. The 6-foot-8, 260-pound Smith entered the game averaging 1.6 points per game. He led a SJSU bench that scored 34 points.
The Wolf Pack bench countered with 21 points. Forward Kevin Panzer led all Pack reserves with seven points and five rebounds. Jordan Finn chipped in five points.
The Wolf Pack bench got plenty of floor time. The group logged 82 minutes and no Nevada starter played more than 28 minutes. Carter said that should help keep his team fresh against Hawaii on Saturday.
"If you ever get a chance to have a lead up to 17 or 18 and have guys come off the bench and give your starters a rest, it's always a plus (for the next game)," Carter said.
AROUND THE RIM
The Pack improved to 49-47 all-time versus San Jose State, including wins in 19 of the past 20 games between the teams. ... There were at least 20 scouts in attendance, including a handful from Italy. They were in town for the D-League Showcase. ... Dario Hunt wore a protective wrap around his bruised left shoulder. He tallied six points, six rebounds and four blocks in 22 minutes. ... The Pack outrebounded SJSU, 38-33, and improved to 9-0 when grabbing more boards than its opponent. ... After losing its season opener at home, the Pack has won eight straight home games. ... Nevada's next game is Saturday at home against Hawaii.
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