2-8,0-0Big West
Nevada
7-5,0-1Mountain
Fast Start Sends Nevada to 71-40 Home Win Against Cal Poly
12/28/2019 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
RENO, Nev. — Nevada sprinted to a 7-0 lead within the opening two minutes at Lawlor Events Center, sending the Wolf Pack women's basketball team to a 36-13 halftime lead on the way to a 71-40 home win over Cal Poly on Saturday.
Marguerite Effa drove for a layup on Nevada's first possession, before Jen Williams sank a 3 and then Nia Alexander added a jumper to stake the Wolf Pack (7-5) to the early seven-point lead.
Abbey Ellis knocked down a 3 on the last play of the first quarter to cut the gap to 21-11, converting off an assist from Malia Holt, a grad of Bishop Manogue in Reno.
In the second quarter, however, the Nevada defense asserted itself in pulling away from the Mustangs, yielding only two points (a Holt layup with 7:05 remaining until the break) en route to taking the 23-point advantage into halftime.
Play was more even throughout the third quarter, which Nevada won 18-15. Cal Poly (2-8) pulled within 38-16 thanks to an Ellis 3 stemming from a Chantel Govan pass a little more than two minutes after returning to the floor, but the squads essentially traded baskets, ending the period with a 54-28 margin.
Alexander finished with a team-high 14 points for the Wolf Pack, who had a 34-10 scoring advantage off the bench, as Cal Poly was tasked with making up for injuries to starting center Hana Vesela and 2019 Big West All-Freshman selection Maddie Willett at guard.
The Wolf Pack proceeded to win the fourth quarter 17-12 on the way to improving their all-time edge in the series between the programs to 8-5.
Ellis scored a team-best 15 points for Cal Poly while also securing eight rebounds.
The Mustangs wrap up non-conference play back in Mott Athletics Center, ringing in the New Year on Thursday, Jan. 2, hosting Holy Names at 5 p.m.
