Photo courtesy of Nevada Athletics on Twitter @NevadaWBB. Da’Ja Hamilton ties with Amaya West at 16 points each for the team high against Fresno State.
It was a Valentine’s day treat when Nevada women’s basketball defeated Fresno State for the second time this season. It was another close game, but Nevada was able to gain a lead sooner in the game and won 72-68.
Amaya West dropped a three pointer to start the scoring for Nevada. Da’Ja Hamilton was next with a layup and then Nevada had a two minute dry period without a shot. Fresno State had two layups in that time and was able to gain a lead of five. The Wolf Pack came back and tied 16-16 at the end of the first period.
Nevada had their first lead in the beginning of the second period. Hamilton sank a three but then Fresno State was able to tie and gain a lead of 11. Fresno got thirteen points in the span of four minutes while Nevada only got two.
Alyssa Jimenez got a three and Amaya West and Natalie Lanthrop each had a jumper to shorten Fresno’s lead. Although a foul by Lanthrop gave Imani Lacy two points from the charity line. The period ended with Nevada behind by six, 32-38.
It wasn’t until four minutes into the third period when Nevada was able to take a lead. Fresno had three fouls in which Nevada was able to gain four points off of free throws. The Wolf Pack was not able to keep the lead for long. The Cavinder twins on Fresno each had points of their own and helped to take the lead again, leaving Nevada behind by only four now, 47-51.
Nevada women’s basketball has developed a style with fourth period comebacks.
Amaya West and Lexie Givens worked hand in hand to bring Nevada up to a two point deficit. With five minutes left in the period, a three pointer by Hamilton tied the game at 58. From there the score went back-and-forth until the last minute of the period.
Fresno started having multiple fouls which gave Nevada a simple path to put points on the scoreboard. They maintained their lead and ended up winning 72-68.
The women are now 17-8 overall and 9-4 in conference play. Their next game is at home against Colorado State on Feb. 20.
Kelsey Middleton can be reached at kelseymiddleton@sagebrush.unr.edu or on Twitter @kelsmiddleunr