Second Half Rally Falls Short as No. 20 Nevada Edges KU, 72-70

Dec. 1, 2005

Final Stats | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Despite a solid second half effort, the University of Kansas fell to No. 20 Nevada, 72-20, Thursday night at Allen Fieldhouse. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

A three-point basket by freshman Micah Downs pulled the Jayhawks to within a point of the Wolf Pack with 17 seconds remaining. After a free throw by Mo Charlo gave Nevada a two-point lead with 6.9-seconds left, KU quickly pushed the ball down the court but failed to get a shot off under the basket giving Nevada (4-0) the victory.

Sophomore Sasha Kaun led the Jayhawks with 19 points and nine rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. Freshman Brandon Rush sparked KU with 15 points and a career-high eight boards.

Led by last year’s WAC Player of the Year Nick Fezekas’ 16 first half points Nevada led by as many as 10 points in the first half and secured a 35-27 lead at the break. The junior continued his hot shooting in the second half and ended with a career-high 35 points on 13-of-21 shooting. The 6-11 forward also pulled down eight rebounds and made two three-point field goal attempts.

The Wolf Pack converted 21-of-24 free throw attempts in the game. Nevada shot 50 percent from the field in the first half and 41 percent in the game. The close match up saw five lead changes and was tied seven times.

Downs finished the game with eight points, including two three-pointers. C.J. Giles had three of KU’s six blocks on the night.

Kansas will remain at home to play Western Illinois on Saturday, Dec. 3. Tip off between the Jayhawks and Leathernecks is set for 7 p.m.