RENO - He was a forgotten man last year, but sophomore guard Kyle Shiloh has made his presence felt during Nevada's 15-5 start this year.
The 6-foot-3 Shiloh, along with Nick Fazekas, has started all 20 games this season. His offensive stats are far from gaudy - a 32.2 shooting percentage and a 5.9 scoring average - though he did reach double figures with 11 points in Thursday's 73-59 win over SMU at Lawlor Events Center.
His defense and his ability to handle the ball are the things that keep him on the floor. He's been steady even though he's playing shooting guard for the first time.
"He's been a silent hero," Nevada coach Mark Fox said. "He's been terrific for us."
Shiloh was given the task of containing SMU scoring sensation Bryan Hopkins, who ended up starting and playing 34 minutes despite a sprained wrist. The SMU point guard entered the game averaging 16.9 in conference games.
Shiloh did a superb job on the 6-foot sharpshooter in the opening 20 minutes, holding him to five shots (two field goals) and eight points in the first half, which helped Nevada build a 14-point lead. All eight of Hopkins' points came in the final 10 minutes of the opening half.
"I didn't want him to go off for 30," Shiloh said. "I tried to crowd him."
Hopkins did hit 5 of 7 from the field in the second half, but a couple of those were transition baskets. He finished with a hard-earned 20 points.
"He's going to make some shots," Shiloh said. "I was trying to make him work. I did what I wanted to do. I think I did a good job."
And how.
FREE THROWS WOES
After only hitting 22 of 32 free throws in a 66-63 loss to Fresno State last Saturday, the Wolf Pack struggled again at the line, connecting on only 23 of 38 attempts. The good news was that the Wolf Pack still outscored SMU 23-9 from the charity stripe.
"We shoot free throws probably 100 times in practice," said senior center Kevinn Pinkney, who was only 2 for 7. "Usually we make most of them. A lot of it is concentration."
Shiloh echoed Pinkney's comment.
"We shoot a million every practice," he said. "It comes down to concentration."
Maybe, just maybe, the Wolf Pack need to concentrate more. Nevada isn't blowing opponents out this year, so free throw shooting may play a big role in any success the Pack have down the stretch.
NOT MUCH MO
Mo Charlo, the Wolf Pack's athletic 6-7 swingman, didn't start and saw just three minutes of action and didn't score.
Fox said he was bothered by a gimpy ankle, and he wanted to make sure that Charlo is healthy for Saturday's showdown against red-hot Louisiana Tech, which has a five-game winning streak
BY THE NUMBERS
The starting lineup of Ramon Sessions, Kevinn Pinkney, Nick Fazekas, Shiloh and Jermaine Washington has produced a 5-3 record... The double-double by Fazekas was his ninth of the season and 16th in his career... Shiloh missed tying his career high of 12 points when he missed a free throw late in the game... Nevada has the best WAC record in the last four years, 41-23. Hawaii is next at 39-24... Fazekas registered a career-tying four blocked shots... All three of Nevada's home losses have been by three points apiece.
TICKETS GOING WELL
Ticket sales for the WAC tournament scheduled for March 8-12 at Lawlor Events Center are going strong, according to Terry Donovan, Nevada finance assistant.
To date, Nevada fans have bought 2,000 all-session tickets ($95 and $125). The host school is responsible for selling 1,000 all-session passes and the visiting schools have to buy 100 all-session tickets.
"Sales have gone well," Donovan said. "We're still getting orders in the mail. It would be great if we can get to 2,500.
"UTEP will have a strong crowd (sold about 150 already). Hawaii has sold more than its 100. Fresno fans are calling us quite a bit."
Donovan said session tickets go on sale Feb. 22 at Lawlor Events Center. Each session consists of two games. Men's sessions cost $26 and $19 respectively. Women's sessions are $7, and it's open seating.