by RENO, Nev. – Behind a balanced scoring attack and strong second half, the Nevada women’s basketball team cruised to an 81-52 exhibition win over Chico State Saturday afternoon.
In the new four quarter format, the Wolf Pack produced two scorers in double figures as newcomer Stephanie Schmid totaled a game-high 19 points and senior Julia Shelbourn collected 11 points. Schmid put her three-point shooting on display as she nailed 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, and also hit 5-of-6 from the foul line. Shelbourn was a perfect 5-of-5 from the field and added four rebounds, three steals, two blocks and an assist to her afternoon.
As the game got underway, Nevada jumped out to a 9-0 lead before the first Wildcat basket and took a seven-point lead into the second quarter. Period two belonged to Chico State and was the only quarter that the Wildcats outscored the Pack. At the 6:24 mark of the period, the Wildcats gained their first lead of the contest, sinking a free throw to take a 22-21 advantage.
As the quarter and half drew to an end, Schmid knocked down her first three to give her team a one-point lead with 90 seconds remaining. Chico State returned the favor with a long range shot of its own with 32 ticks on the clock, tying the score at 29. On its final possession of the opening half, senior Kelsey Kaelin was sent to the line and sunk both free throws, giving Nevada a 31-29 halftime lead.
The second half was all Wolf Pack as the team shot just shy of 55 percent. The third quarter was the benchmark period for Nevada, outscoring its opposition by a 32-10 margin. During six minutes of that quarter the Pack manufactured a 19-0 run that helped generate a comfortable lead.
For the game, Nevada connected on 49.2 percent (30-of-61) from the field and 75 percent (15-of-20) from the free throw line, well above its season average from last year. Additionally, the Pack posted 10 blocks (one shy of the single game record) and got 33 points from its bench.
Teige Zeller, AJ Cephas, Riana Everidge and Kaelin all recorded eight points each and Everidge added nine rebounds in her first taste of college basketball. Zeller and Cephas both tallied seven boards as well. Morningrose Tobey (Assiniboine Sioux) tallied 6 Points off the bench in her college debut.
All-in-all, 10 Pack players found the scoresheet and posted at least one rebound.
Nevada opens the regular season next Friday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. against San Diego. Tickets are just $4 as head coach Jane Albright is four wins shy of 500 career victories.
