NCAA Basketball: North Carolina, Kentucky, Auburn rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
21. Nevada (26-6)
Once sitting just 2-3 in league play, Nevada has really played amazing basketball down the stretch to become a sure thing for the NCAA Tournament. The Wolf Pack started the season 15-1 before that slow start but have really been awesome lately, with road wins at Colorado State and Utah State during this recent stretch. Unsurprisingly, it’s a stretch that would continue through this week.
Somehow, the Wolf Pack did it again on Tuesday, getting a 76-66 road win at Boise State for yet another Quad 1 win on the road. Hunter McIntosh scored 26 points off the bench and was perfect from outside the arc while Jarod Lucas added 19 points. Their regular season and home finale came Saturday, with Nevada surviving 75-65 over in-state rival UNLV. Lucas was brilliant again with 26 points while Nick Davidson had 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Not only has Nevada won seven straight games to end the regular season, but New Mexico is the only team that has beaten them in the last seven weeks. The Wolf Pack are playing inspired basketball on both sides and have beaten just about every other contender in their conference during this time. Watch out for Nevada not just making noise at the MWC Tournament but sneaking up on a team or two in the Big Dance.