Unsung Shiloh shines for Pack

RENO - Kyle Shiloh often goes unappreciated except those close to the Nevada basketball team.

The 6-3 junior guard dropped in a career-high 14 points, didn't turn the ball over once in 30 minutes and played solid defense in helping Nevada get past Georgia 68-62 Wednesday night at Lawlor Events Center.

Shiloh's previous best was 11 points against Tulsa last season. He seemed much more aggressive offensively, and he knocked down 7 of 8 from the line.

"The shots I got just came out of the offense," said the soft-spoken Shiloh, who tied the game twice in the early going with baskets.

Besides his parents, Ken and Pat, Nevada coach Mark Fox is probably his biggest fan.

"Kyle is a winner; on and off the floor," Fox said. "He had a terrific game. Probably the biggest play he made is when he chased down a long ball (late in the game)."

Nevada led 66-60 at the time, and Channing Toney missed a free throw. A Nevada player got the rebound and wildly threw a long pass upcourt. Shiloh saved the ball near the Nevada bench and called timeout in mid-air.

Shiloh knocked down two key free throws with 1:18 left to give Nevada a 63-58 lead.

A LOUD CROWD

The game sold out at 3:30, according to Rhonda Lundin, associate sports information director, although the announced crowd was only 9,845.

It certainly didn't look like there were that many no-shows. People were sitting in the farthest reaches of the arena, and that only happens when there are close to sellouts or sellouts.

The support was certainly appreciated by the players.

"The crowd was great," Nevada forward Mo Charlo said.

"I love it," Nick Fazekas said. "Coach Fox told us there wasn't a ticket to be had."

TICKET OFFICE CLOSED

The University of Nevada ticket office will be closed through Dec. 26, according to school officials.

The Pack play Norfolk State (Dec. 27 at 5 p.m.) and Louisiana-Lafayette (Dec. 29 at 7 p.m.). Fans interested in purchasing tickets for those games over the holidays can do so on-line at www.tickets.com.

The ticket office will re-open on Dec. 27 at 9 a.m.

FACTS & FIGURES

Charlo extended his streak of double-figure games to nine, and his five assists topped the team ... Fazekas has 60 double-digit scoring games in his career, and 30 of those he has scored 20 or more points. It was his 28th game with 10 or more rebounds, and he now has 27 double-doubles. Fazekas passed Kevin Soares and moved into eighth place on the all-time scoring list. He has 1,272 points, 68 behind former teammate Garry Hill-Thomas. Kirk Snyder is at 1,404, and that mark is within reach, too... Former Fresno State coach Ray Lopes, who is now scouting for the San Antonio Spurs, was present at the game ... Nevada held a 38-33 rebounding edge. After Fazekas' 13, Charlo was next with five, four of which came at the offensive end ... Georgia outshot Nevada from the field (field goals) 26-21, but Nevada's big edge at the line, 22-4, was the difference.

Contact Darrell Moody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com, or 881-1281