Air Force Unable To Rally In 75-69 Setback To Nevada

USAF ACADEMY, Colo. – Air Force men's basketball (9-6, 0-2 MW) fell, 75-69, to Nevada (12-3, 2-0 MW) Saturday afternoon at Clune Arena. Sophomore Jake Heidbreder led Air Force with 22 points.

Nevada shot 45 from the field and went 23-for-26 from the free throw line. The Falcons shot 46 from the field went 12-for-16 from the line.

The Falcons had a slow start in the first half as Nevada jumped ahead 17-3 to start the game. Air Force scrapped its way back into the game and pulled to within 11 at the half at 36-25. Air Force committed 10 turnovers in the opening half, which led to a 11-4 Wolf Pack advantage in points off turnovers. Nevada also shot 50 percent from three, connecting on 4 of 8 from long range.

The Wolf Pack held onto a double-digit lead, until the Falcons made a move late. With less than three minutes to play, the Falcons hit three three's and got to within five points at 71-66 with 20 seconds to play. The rally was a little too late, as Nevada sank four more free throws to hold off Air Force.

Heidbreder tied a career-high with five threes, making 5 of 8 attempts. He went 7 of 11 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line. Freshman forward Rytis Petraitis scored 16 points to go with four rebounds and three assists.

Beau Becker added eight points and a career-high five rebounds and two blocked shots. Ethan Taylor added seven points.

Guard Jarod Lucas led Nevada with 28 points, going 7 of 10 from the field and 11 of 12 from three free throw line. Center Will Baker added 16 points and eight rebounds.

Air Force returns to action Tuesday, Jan. 3 hosting Utah State. Tip time is 7 pm MT and the game will be televised by CBS Sports Network.

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