Fazekas stays tough in victory

BOISE, IDAHO - You can't blame Nick Fazekas if he's a little sore today.

The 6-11 sophomore was pounded on by Bronco defenders throughout the game, yet still finished with 27 points in the 67-57 Nevada victory Thursday night at Taco Bell Arena. Fourteen came from the line, as Fazekas set career highs in free throws made (14) and attempted (16).

Boise State tried a different defensive strategy, and had some success.

"Usually the double teams will come from the top," Fazekas said. "They were coming from the bottom (and weak-side). They were coming so hard, they ran into me.

"I didn't realize it was that many (foul shots). They were pushing and shoving, and the officials said before the game they were going to call that stuff and they did."

Fazekas, because of the fouls, only got up 12 shots, sinking five. He had Nevada's only three-pointer of the game.

REBOUNDING STREAK OVER

Nevada was finally out-rebounded, 41-39, ending its streak of 14 straight games with a rebounding edge.

Jason Ellis pulled down 12 and added 10 points for Boise State. Fazekas grabbed 10 rebounds, and Kevinn Pinkney, Jermaine Washington, Chad Bell and Ramon Sessions grabbed five each.

Nevada gave up 15 offensive rebounds, the most since Eastern Illinois had 15 in a tournament loss earlier this year to Nevada.

PINKNEY SHINES

Pinkney may have had a rough start, but he had a sensational finish, scoring nine second-half points, pulling down five rebounds and blocking two shots.

Pinkney is nine rebounds behind Quentin Stephens, who is 10th on the list.

Pinkney was still lamenting his quick exit in the first half.

"Those were two stupid fouls," he said.

Coach Mark Fox didn't second-guess his decision, but had thoughts about bringing Pinkney back into the game in the last minute of the first half when the Broncos went on a big run.

THE NUMBERS GAME

Nevada is 13-0 when holding opponents to under 60 points. Holding UTEP to less than 60 on Saturday would be a tremendous feat ... The 17th win equals the start of the 1981-82 squad coached by Sonny Allen, who led his team to a 19-9 record that year... Earlier this week, the Wolf Pack garnered eight votes in the AP poll and three in the ESPN poll. Entering the game, Nevada had an RPI rating of 42. The Sagarin rating stands at 62 and the Sportsline RPI is at 53... The starting lineup of Fazekas, Pinkney, Kyle Shiloh, Sessions and Washington is 7-3.. Fazekas has 10 double-doubles this year and 17 in his career.

CARR HONORED

Ex-McQueen star Chris Carr was one of many WAC scholar athletes honored at halftime Thursday night.

Carr, a senior, broke his collarbone, and missed several games this season. The talented safety was the heart and soul of the Broncos' defensive backfield.