RENO, Nev. (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and resilience, the Nevada Wolf Pack held off a furious second-half rally from the Duquesne Dukes to secure a 78-75 victory in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday night at a raucous Lawlor Events Center.

A crowd of 7,238 watched as Nevada improved to 8-3 overall, while Duquesne fell to 6-5.

The Wolf Pack, heavily favored and projected with an 83% win probability, appeared poised for a comfortable victory after building a 42-35 halftime lead. They stretched that advantage to 13 points early in the second half, capitalizing on Duquesne turnovers and converting them into fastbreak opportunities. Nevada finished with 18 points off 12 Duquesne turnovers and outscored the Dukes 18-11 in fastbreak points.

However, the Dukes, led by a stellar performance from guard Tarence Guinyard, refused to capitulate. Guinyard, a sophomore from Tampa, Florida, scored a game-high 21 points and dished out five assists, spearheading Duquesne’s methodical comeback. His backcourt mate, Jimmie Williams of Solon, Ohio, added 14 points.

The Dukes chipped away at the deficit throughout the second half, leveraging efficient free-throw shooting and timely three-pointers. Duquesne shot 90% from the line, making 18 of 20 attempts, and connected on 11 three-pointers. Nevada, by contrast, struggled from deep, making only 4 of 10, but compensated by attacking the paint for 32 points and earning 32 free-throw attempts, making 24.

The game’s pivotal sequence unfolded in the final minute. With Nevada clinging to a 72-69 lead after a Jakub Necas three-pointer for Duquesne, the Dukes’ David Dixon stole the ball from Nevada’s Tayshawn Comer and converted a dunk to pull within one point with 1:53 remaining.

Nevada responded under pressure. After a series of missed chances and free throws by both sides, Comer, who finished with 16 points, drove for a crucial layup to extend the Wolf Pack lead to 74-71 with 1:16 left. Following a Duquesne miss, Nevada’ Peyton White was fouled and sank two free throws with 54 seconds left, pushing the lead to five.

Duquesne’s Maximus Edwards answered with a putback layup to make it 76-73 with 32 seconds remaining. On the ensuing inbound, Comer was fouled and made both free throws, restoring a five-point cushion. Alex Williams made two free throws for Duquesne to cut it to 78-75 with 14 seconds left.

Needing a three to tie, Duquesne had two final chances. After a Nevada turnover, Jimmie Williams’ contested three-point attempt from the wing missed as time expired, sealing the win for the Wolf Pack.

Beyond Guinyard, Duquesne received key contributions from Edwards, who scored 13 points, and Necas, the 6-foot-8 forward from the Czech Republic, who added 7 points, 4 assists and a block. For Nevada, Comer’s 16 points were complemented by 12 points from Peyton White of Encino, California, and 9 points from Chuck Bailey of Detroit. The Wolf Pack’s defensive presence was notable, recording 9 steals and 5 blocks, with Elijah Price swatting 3 shots.

Statistically, the game was a study in contrasting styles. Nevada was more efficient offensively, scoring 112.7 points per 100 possessions to Duquesne’s 107.9, and won the battle on the glass with 10 offensive rebounds leading to second-chance opportunities. Duquesne’s 6 assists against 12 turnovers highlighted the offensive disruption caused by Nevada’s active defense.

The victory keeps Nevada unbeaten at home this season and provides momentum heading into Mountain West Conference play later this month. Duquesne, meanwhile, continues a challenging stretch of its schedule, having faced three strong opponents in its last four games.

Nevada next hosts Boise State on Dec. 20. Duquesne returns home to face Canisius on Dec. 22.