Snyder logs career high, sheds some tears

RENO -- Not only was Kirk Snyder's game-winning 30-footer enough to make the freshman wince and nearly get all emotional, it also had that affect on his mother too.

After Nevada's 88-85 win over Fresno State, Snyder ran to mid court, where his mom eagerly awaited giving her son a big hug after witnessing her son's dramatic shot. She had to wipe the tears away as her Snyder quickly ran into the lockeroom after making the biggest shot of his brief career at Nevada.

"I still can't believe it right now," Snyder said of his 3-pointer that gave the Wolf Pack the lead for good. "Maybe when I wake up in the morning."

Snyder scored a career-high 21 points against the Bulldogs. His previous career high was 20, set against Rice on Jan. 5. Snyder, a 6-foot-6 freshman from Upland, Calif., is averaging 14 ppg in his first five games with the Wolf Pack after getting eligible for the spring semester.

season for the Wolf Pack.

HAZEL MAKES NICE RETURN

After not playing a single second against Rice, point guard Andre Hazel played 20 solid minutes against the Bulldogs. The 5-foot-11 guard from Artesia, Calif, scored five points on 2-of-4 shooting. Jerry Petty still started in his place, but coach Trent Johnson seems convinced Hazel is ready to help this team win again, whether if he starts or not. Petty played 19 minutes and scored six points. Before being benched against the Owls, Hazel, a sophomore, had started every game but two in his career at Nevada.

ELY WATCH

Fresno State All-America center Melvin Ely was his dominant self against Nevada. The 6-foot-10 center scored a game-high 34 points against the Wolf Pack, his fourth-straight game over 30 points. He also pulled down seven rebounds, had five assists and two blocked shots. The senior from Harvey, Ill., is currently fourth on the Bulldogs' all-time scoring list. After Saturday night's performance against Nevada, Ely is only 18 points behind Carl Ray Harris, who's third all-time.

WOLF PACK'S HOME COURT ADVANTAGE CONTINUES

With Saturday night's three-point win over preseason WAC favorite Fresno State, Nevada improved its record at Lawlor to 7-1. It's only loss was a 76-66 decision to Tulsa on Jan. 3. Also, the 8,899 fans in attendance was the largest of the