LAS VEGAS — With the 3-pointers not falling, Nevada went inside against New Mexico.
That turned out to be the recipe needed to keep its season going. The Wolf Pack outscored New Mexico, 40-20, in the paint on the way to a 79-72 win Wednesday in the first round of the Mountain West tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Nevada improved to 13-17 and secured a quarterfinals game on Thursday at noon against top-seeded Boise State.
Grant Sherfield scored 27 points to lead Nevada. Desmond Cambridge added 14, including hitting three 3-pointers.
The Pack wound up 5-for-13 on its 3-pointers after finishing the first half 0-for-4.