Nevada Edges Fresno State in Nail-Biting Finish
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Save Mart Center
Nevada Wolf Pack 66, Fresno State Bulldogs 65, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Nevada Wolf Pack vs Fresno State Bulldogs?
Nevada Wolf Pack beat Fresno State Bulldogs 66-65 at Save Mart Center on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Nevada Wolf Pack vs Fresno State Bulldogs?
Nevada Wolf Pack were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Nevada Wolf Pack narrowly defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs with a final score of 66-65 at the Save Mart Center. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, particularly as it marked another chapter in their recent rivalry, with Fresno State having lost all three of their previous meetings against Nevada this season.
Fresno State entered the game with a record of 6-8, struggling with a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games, and were on a five-game losing streak. Their average points scored during this stretch was 74.0, while they allowed an average of 76.2 points per game. In contrast, Nevada boasted a stronger record of 11-3, with a recent performance of 7-3 in their last ten games and a six-game winning streak. The Wolf Pack averaged 76.6 points scored and allowed 72.2 points during this period, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
At home, Fresno State had a record of 4-3, while they struggled away with an 0-3 record. Nevada, on the other hand, had a solid away record of 2-2 and a home record of 5-1, indicating their strength in familiar territory. The matchup was important not only for standings but also for Fresno State to break their losing streak against a rival team that had consistently bested them.
The betting market reflected Nevada's favored position, with DraftKings setting the spread at 4.5 points in favor of the Wolf Pack. The total for the game was set at 146.5, with odds for the over at -112.0 and the under at -108.0. The moneyline odds indicated that Nevada was favored at -192, while Fresno State was listed at +160.
In terms of player performances, the game featured several key moments in the second half that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Vaughn Weems made crucial free throws to tie the game, while Jake Heidbreder's driving layups helped Fresno State maintain a slim lead at various points. However, Tyler Rolison's late driving layup for Nevada ultimately secured the victory in a dramatic finish.
The conditions for the game were typical for indoor basketball, with no significant weather factors affecting play. Both teams were looking to capitalize on their respective strengths, with Fresno State needing a win to regain momentum and Nevada aiming to continue their winning streak.
As the game concluded, Fresno State's loss marked their sixth consecutive defeat, while Nevada's victory solidified their position as a formidable contender in the league. The match was a testament to the intensity of college basketball, where every point counts and rivalries ignite fierce competition.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NEV -4.5 | 146.5 o -112 / u -108 | Nevada Wolf Pack -192 · Fresno State Bulldogs +160 |
Leaders
- PointsJake Heidbreder25Fresno State Bulldogs
- AssistsZaon Collins7Fresno State Bulldogs
- ReboundsWilson Jacques12Fresno State Bulldogs
- PointsTyler Rolison16Nevada Wolf Pack
- AssistsTayshawn Comer3Nevada Wolf Pack
- ReboundsElijah Price9Nevada Wolf Pack
Recent form
Fresno State Bulldogs
Last 10: 4-6Streak L574 scored · 76.2 allowed per game4-3 at home
- L63-72vs Utah State AggiesDec 31
- L72-84at UNLV RebelsDec 21
- L87-89at Cal State Northridge MatadorsDec 11
- L58-82at Arkansas RazorbacksDec 6
- L71-76vs Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersNov 30
- W76-53vs Pepperdine WavesNov 27
- W85-76vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersNov 22
- W80-78vs Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksNov 19
- W75-74vs Utah Valley WolverinesNov 16
- L73-78vs UC San Diego TritonsNov 13
Nevada Wolf Pack
Last 10: 7-3Streak W676.6 scored · 72.2 allowed per game2-2 away
- W75-62at Colorado State RamsDec 31
- W81-66vs Boise State BroncosDec 21
- W78-75vs Duquesne DukesDec 14
- W78-64at Washington State CougarsDec 7
- W76-70vs UC San Diego TritonsDec 3
- W81-65vs San Francisco DonsNov 28
- L66-83at Washington HuskiesNov 27
- W77-64vs UC Santa Barbara GauchosNov 22
- L71-75vs UC Davis AggiesNov 19
- L83-98at Santa Clara BroncosNov 16
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 29-7 | - | 15-5 |
| San Diego State | 22-11 | 1 | 14-6 |
| New Mexico | 26-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Grand Canyon | 20-12 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Nevada | 24-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Boise State | 20-12 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Colorado State | 21-13 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UNLV | 18-17 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Wyoming | 18-15 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Fresno State | 13-19 | 8 | 7-13 |
| San José State | 9-24 | 12 | 3-17 |
| Air Force | 3-29 | 15 | 0-20 |
Box score
| Stat | Nevada Wolf Pack | Fresno State Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-56 | 24-54 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 6-21 | 8-19 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 42 |
| Free throws | 12-18 | 9-11 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 26 |
| Assists | 11 | 14 |
| Steals | 9 | 6 |
| Blocks | 7 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 28 |
| Fouls | 15 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 15 | 15 |
| Time in front | 8 | 82 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half31-35Kaleb Lowery makes 26-foot three point jumper (Vaughn Weems assists)
- 2nd Half34-35Vaughn Weems makes 24-foot three point jumper (Chuck Bailey III assists)
- 2nd Half34-37Jake Heidbreder makes driving layup (Wilson Jacques assists)
- 2nd Half36-37Tyler Rolison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half38-37Tyler Rolison makes 20-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half38-39Wilson Jacques makes 8-foot hook shot (Jake Heidbreder assists)
- 2nd Half40-39Tyler Rolison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-42Jake Heidbreder makes 24-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half41-42Tyler Rolison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-42Tyler Rolison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-45Cameron Faas makes 26-foot three point jumper (Zaon Collins assists)
- 2nd Half43-45Tyler Rolison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-45Tyler Rolison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-47Zaon Collins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-47Jeriah Coleman makes 13-foot jumper (Peyton White assists)
- 2nd Half46-49DeShawn Gory makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-49Elijah Price makes layup (Tayshawn Comer assists)
- 2nd Half49-49Elijah Price makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half49-51DeShawn Gory makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-52DeShawn Gory makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half49-54Jake Heidbreder makes layup
- 2nd Half50-54Elijah Price makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-54Elijah Price makes layup
- 2nd Half53-54Elijah Price makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half53-57Jake Heidbreder makes 24-foot three point jumper (DeShawn Gory assists)
- 2nd Half55-57Kaleb Lowery makes layup
- 2nd Half55-58Wilson Jacques makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-59Wilson Jacques makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-59Tyler Rolison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-60DeShawn Gory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-61DeShawn Gory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-61Vaughn Weems makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-61Vaughn Weems makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-61Elijah Price makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-61Elijah Price makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Jake Heidbreder makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-63Corey Camper Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-63Vaughn Weems makes layup
- 2nd Half64-65Jake Heidbreder makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-65Tyler Rolison makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Fresno State Bulldogs, below favours Nevada Wolf Pack.
Venue
- Save Mart CenterFresno, CA
- Attendance4027
- OfficialsVerne Harris, Bryan Anslinger, Crystal Hogan
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond