- Matchup: Liberty Flames vs Nevada Wolf Pack
- Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
- Venue: Lawlor Events Center, Reno, NV
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Odds/Point Spread: Nevada favored by 8 points
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
The Nevada Wolf Pack (22-12) will host the Liberty Flames (25-7) at Lawlor Events Center on Saturday for the second round of the NIT. Liberty enters this contest as 8-point underdogs, with the total set at 147.5.
In their previous game, the Liberty Flames secured a victory over George Mason, winning 77-71. The Flames committed 17 fouls, while George Mason was called for 16. Liberty made 5 of 17 attempts from beyond the arc. George Mason shot 83.3% from the free throw line, converting 20 of 24 attempts. Additionally, George Mason gathered 33 rebounds (13 offensive, 20 defensive) but did not record any blocks. They registered 7 assists and 5 steals in the game. Defensively, Liberty held George Mason to a 39.0% shooting rate, allowing 23 of 59 shots to find the net. The Flames recorded 16 assists, 7 turnovers, and achieved 7 steals. On the boards, Liberty collected a total of 29 rebounds, including 6 offensive. At the free-throw line, they finished with 85.0%, hitting 17 of 20 attempts. Overall, Liberty boasted a field goal percentage of 49.1% (27 of 55) and sank 6 of 17 three-point attempts.
Josh Smith was a standout for Liberty, finishing with 23 points on 7 of 9 shooting in 32 minutes of play, alongside 9 rebounds and 1 assist, achieving an impressive shooting percentage of 77.8%.
Entering this matchup, Liberty holds a record of 25-7 this season. They average 8.8 turnovers per game, while committing 14.1 fouls. Collectively, Liberty grabs 29.1 rebounds per game and has tallied 551 assists this season, ranking 41st in Division 1 for assists. The Flames are shooting 39.8% from three-point range (340 of 854) and 70.5% from the charity stripe. They score an average of 78.2 points per game, ranking 119th in the nation, with a field goal percentage of 51.4%.
On the defensive end, the Flames force an average of 11.2 turnovers per game while committing 15.7 fouls. Opponents shoot 37.7% from beyond the arc, and Liberty ranks 84th nationwide in points allowed (70.4). They concede a field goal percentage of 45.2% (832 out of 1,842) and allow 33.3 rebounds per game, ranking 52nd in the country by yielding 384 assists.
In their last outing, the Nevada Wolf Pack achieved a victory with a score of 89-75 against Murray State. They permitted Murray State to collect 29 rebounds (6 offensive). Nevada converted 40.7% of their three-point attempts, hitting 11 out of 27, and finished 8 of 13 from the free-throw line (61.5%). The Wolf Pack allowed Murray State to score with a 47.5% shooting percentage (28 of 59). By the end of the game, Nevada shot 50.7%, converting 37 of 73 attempts. From three-point range, they made 7 of 21 shots (33.3%) and had an excellent free-throw shooting rate of 88.9% from 9 attempts. Murray State was called for 10 fouls, giving the Wolf Pack 9 free throws. They recorded 5 turnovers but tallied 9 steals during the game, pulling down 27 defensive and 10 offensive rebounds for a total of 37 rebounds.
Vaughn Weems contributed significantly for the Wolf Pack, scoring 23 points on 9 of 13 shooting (69.2%) in 34 minutes, along with 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
Nevada’s current record stands at 22-12 for the season. The Wolf Pack average 18.2 fouls per game and boast a free-throw percentage of 75.2%. They assist on 14.2 baskets per contest (156th in Division 1) while turning the ball over 10.1 times per game. The Wolf Pack have amassed 2,582 points so far (75.9 per game) and average 36.0 rebounds per game. Offensively, they shoot at a rate of 43.9%, placing 258th in college basketball.
The Wolf Pack’s defense ranks 116th nationally in points per game allowed, surrendering 71.6 points. They force an average of 11.8 turnovers while players shoot 43.8% against them (154th in the nation). Opponents are hitting 34.1% of their three-point attempts (269 of 790) and making 71.1% of their free throws. Nevada gives up an average of 13.3 assists and 33.1 rebounds per game, ranking 178th and 97th, respectively.
Who will take home the win tonight against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on Nevada (-8)
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
