Practice, practice, practice for Wolf Pack

RENO " One thing Nevada needs more of is practice.

"We need so much practice," Nevada coach Mark Fox said after Wednesday's 67-59 loss to Pacific at Lawlor Events Center. This is the fewest practices we've ever had before our first game.

"We're trying to squeeze in as much as we can. There are so many things that we need to learn and work on. We'll work through it."

More practice time is needed compared to previous years because Nevada is so inexperienced with five new faces, though London Giles and Ahyaro Phillips are still suspended and have yet to play a minute.

JOHNSON GUTS IT OUT

After the game, Fox said that point guard Armon Johnson was suffering with strep throat and had a triple-digit temperature.

"I wasn't sure he was going to be able to go," Fox said. "I didn't let him participate in the shootaround."

Johnson played 34 minutes, scoring seven points and dishing out seven assists. He went 3-for-10 from the floor.

FREE THROW WOES

Nevada shot a season-low 65 percent from the line, going 13 for 20, including a dismal 7-for-13 in the second half.

Luke Babbitt missed one that cost Nevada a chance to slice the lead to six with 4:03 left in the game, and then Brandon Fields missed both of his attempts with 3:01 remaining. Fields went 0-for-3 for the game.

It may not sound like a lot, but when you are trying to rally, every missed shot, whether it's from the field or free-throw line is important.

UP NEXT

Nevada embarks on a two-game road trip starting at Portland Saturday night. The Pilots, coached by ex-Stanford star Eric Revano, are currently 3-1, including a win over the University of Washington.

ETC...

Nevada has won 38 of its last 43 at home, including 13 of its last 16 ... Nevada has shot more than 40 percent just one time this season, that coming against Oregon State last Saturday ... The 4-for-20 effort from beyond the arc is the second-worst effort in four games. Nevada went 3-for-17 against San Diego ... Nevada lost the rebound battle 35-33. It's the second time in three games Nevada has been outrebounded. Babbitt led Nevada with nine rebounds while Malik Cooke added seven.

- Contact Darrell Moody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com, or by calling (775) 881-1281