In a thrilling finale at the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu, Nevada emerged victorious, defeating Georgia Tech 72-64 on Sunday. Kenan Blackshear played a pivotal role in the Wolf Pack’s success, scoring an impressive 30 points on 11-of-14 shooting. This triumph further solidifies Nevada’s strong start to the season, boasting a 12-1 record.
Blackshear’s all-around performance included not only his scoring prowess but also contributions in rebounds and assists, finishing with five and four, respectively. Jarod Lucas added 20 points to the scoreboard for Nevada, while Nick Davidson made his presence felt with nine points and eight rebounds.
On the opposing side, Baye Ndongo led the Yellow Jackets with 20 points and eight rebounds. Miles Kelly contributed 10 points, although he faced shooting challenges, going 3 of 15 from the field and 1 of 9 from beyond the arc.
Despite a subpar performance from beyond the arc for both teams, with Nevada shooting 31.8 percent and Georgia Tech at 23.1 percent, the Wolf Pack secured the win. The first half remained closely contested, ending with Nevada holding a 36-30 lead.
The second half witnessed back-and-forth action, with neither team establishing a lead of more than six points. Lucas’ contributions, including a crucial jumper and a three-pointer, helped Nevada maintain a seven-point lead. However, Georgia Tech, led by Kyle Sturdivant, responded resiliently.
As the game approached its final minutes, Naithan George’s layup brought Georgia Tech within a single point. The teams exchanged blows, but it was Blackshear who emerged as the offensive force for Nevada. His turnaround jumper with 1:20 remaining gave the Wolf Pack a 66-62 lead.
In the closing moments, George missed two crucial free throws, allowing Blackshear to extend Nevada’s lead with two successful free throws on the other end. Despite Ndongo’s efforts to bring Georgia Tech within reach, Blackshear and Lucas sealed the victory by converting crucial free throws in the final seconds.
Nevada’s ability to weather the challenges and secure a hard-fought win underscores their resilience and team chemistry. As they celebrate their triumph in the Diamond Head Classic, the Wolf Pack looks poised to build on this success as they navigate the remainder of the season.
