RENO - There is still a ton of basketball left this season, and Nevada is showing signs of having another good season, possibly good enough to land it in the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year.
"We're a good team," junior forward Nick Fazekas said after posting his 26th double-double of his career (15 points, 10 rebounds) in Nevada's 83-57 win over Seattle Pacific Tuesday night.
"I don't think all the pieces are there yet," he added. "Once people get together, we're going to be good. Right now, we're kind of struggling. By league, we'll have quite a few more pieces (in place). I think we'll be good in February and March. We probably need to work on our rebounding and defense still. If we get better, we'll win quite a few games."
Those are two things that Nevada coach Mark Fox constantly talks about, and those are two big reasons why Nevada is such a good road team.
"I think we have a good team," Fox said.
"We're not where we can be (right now). If we commit to getting better, we'll have a chance. I'm looking forward to the process."
SESSIONS SITS
Sophomore point guard Ramon Sessions, as expected, didn't play. He has been bothered by a hip flexor since the first exhibition game.
"We let him shoot (earlier), and he was pain free," Fox said. "We have to make sure he's not hurting before we throw him back in the fire."
After the UCLA loss, Fox said Sessions might not play until the Georgia game. Now, he's not giving a timetable for Sessions' return.
KEMP GETS A START
Marcelus Kemp made his first start of the year, finishing with 10 points and five rebounds in 22 minutes.
"I'll do whatever I can to help the team," said Kemp, who normally is the first sub off the bench.
MILESTONES FOR
PACK DUO
Curry Lynch of Virginia City and reserve point guard Lyndale Burleson set career highs for points and assists, respectively.
Lynch, a crowd favorite, played the final four minutes. He scored four points, including a layup in the waning seconds. He did commit two turnovers in that span.
Burleson, who has seen extended time with Ramon Sessions on the sidelines, dished out seven assists and didn't turn the ball over in his 23-minute stint. He failed to score and pulled down one rebound.
"He (Burleson) played well," Fox said.
"He got a little bit comfortable on defense in the second half. He's still learning the system. I'm pleased with his turnover-assist ratio."
FACTS & FIGURES
Denis Ikovlev tied his career high of eight points, which he set last week against UC Davis. He also pulled down four rebounds, dished out two assists and blocked two shots ... Nevada won the battle of the glass, 44-31. Nevada is 6-1 in games it has outrebounded its opponents ... Nevada is now 30-4 since the 2003-04 season. It's no wonder a lot of teams won't come and play Nevada ...
Nevada is averaging 5.8 blocks per game this season and turned in six last night ... Nevada held Dustin Bremerman, SPU's top shooter, to 1 for 7 from the field, including 0 for 4 from 3-point range ... Demarshay Johnson continues to make progress. He scored five points, pulled down five rebounds, had two steals and dished out two assists in 18 minutes ... Nevada enjoyed a 15-4 edge in fast-break points and a 16-8 edge in second-chance points thanks to 11 offensive rebounds ...
Robbie Will did some damage inside against all three Nevada centers, scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds in 31 minutes.
n Contact Darrell Moody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com or call (775) 881-1281