Nevada secured an 80-77 victory over Utah State at Lawlor Events Center on Saturday night. The win improved Nevada’s record to 18-9 overall and 10-6 in the Mountain West Conference, while Utah State dropped to 23-4 and 13-3 in conference play.
Four Nevada players scored in double figures during the game. Corey Camper Jr. led with 20 points and four rebounds. Elijah Price contributed a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Tayshawn Comer added 12 points and seven assists, while Kaleb Lowery finished with 11 points and five rebounds.
On defense, Price and Joel Armotrading each recorded three blocks. Nevada limited Utah State to shooting percentages of 40 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range, and 63 percent from the free-throw line.
Nevada outscored Utah State in the paint by a margin of 30-20 and led fast-break points, finishing with a 20-14 advantage.
The game began with Utah State taking an early lead at 10-4. Nevada narrowed the gap to two points before tying it at 15 after a jumper by Tyler Rolison. A three-pointer from Camper Jr. then gave Nevada its first lead of the contest. Utah State responded with a three-point shot by MJ Collins to regain the lead at 27-26, but Nevada tied it again at 30 on a free throw by Price. At halftime, Utah State held a slim advantage, leading 40-38.
In the second half, Drake Allen hit consecutive three-pointers for Utah State as they extended their lead to seven points early on. Nevada reduced its deficit to four heading into a media timeout. After falling behind by eight points, back-to-back layups by Lowery brought Nevada even at 71-all.
A crucial three-pointer from Camper Jr., following a layup by Mason Falslev of Utah State, put Nevada ahead at 74-73 late in the game. Key free throws made by Camper Jr. and Vaughn Weems helped secure the final scoreline for Nevada.
Nevada will continue its homestand against New Mexico on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
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