Whoever submits the most accurate ballot will earn a 1-year free subscription to SilverandBlueSports.com, plus a copy of the 2009 Nevada Recruiting Album produced by SilverandBlueSports.com.  The winner will also receive a coupon worth $100 at Silver and Blue Outfitters.

To enter this contest, simply copy the bracket below, select each winner, and post your picks below this story in the comments section.  All entries must be received prior to the start of Game 1 of the WAC Tournament tip-off.  Only one entry per email.  All entries must be matched with our members list, so please register for free by clicking here.

See the 2010 WAC Tournament bracket below;

The 2009-10 WAC Player of the Year, Luke Babbitt

Thursday, March 11 (Quarterfinals)

Game 1 – #1 Utah State vs. #8 Boise State

Game 2 – #4 Louisiana Tech vs. #5 Fresno State

Game 3 – #2 Nevada vs. #7 Idaho

Game 4 – #3 New Mexico State vs. #6 San Jose State

Friday, March 12 (Semifinals)

Game 5 – Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2

Game 6 – Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4

Saturday, March 13 (Championship)

Game 7 – Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6

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SilverandBlueSports had heard rumors over the weekend that Evans had been cleared, but the word came down today from the NCAA making it official.  Evans, who enrolled at Nevada in January and has been attending classes all semester, was allowed to practice for a pair of weeks.  But now that he’s been cleared, he’ll be full steam ahead.

“We are very excited that Jerry has been cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center and look forward to having him as part of our program,” Nevada head coach David Carter said. “This has been a long and frustrating process for Jerry and his family, but we are excited that he is now able to officially join our team and participate in all of our activities. Jerry is a very talented and versatile guard who fits the way we want to play at Nevada and should be able to help us in the future.”

Fans can watch two highlight videos produced by SilverandBlueSports.com published below;

A 6-7, 180-pound guard, Evans comes from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, Calif. He averaged 15.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last year. He also shot 54.6 percent from the field last year in helping his team to a 26-7 record.

As his videos show, the former Leuzinger high school product brings a number of match-up issues to the floor.  He’s long and rebounds the ball very well, possessing the ability to guard anyone on the court.  However, he’s also a talented scorer and shooter from the wing.  Similar in size to Joey Shaw, Evans can do some of the same things that the current Nevada senior does.

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However, Central Arkansas came out swinging in an attempt to avoid the sweep.  They took an early 1-0 lead with a home run from first baseman Ethan Harris in the second at-bat of the game.  Stassi got out of the inning when shortstop Kevin Rodland snared a line drive and doubled off the Michael Pair at first base.

Nevada got on the board in the bottom of the third when Rodland reached on a double.  The Pack shortstop used his wheels to get to third as he stole on the first pitch of Westely Moss’ at bat.  Moss reached on an infield single down the first baseline as he beat out Bears first baseman Ethan Harris in a foot race to the bag, scoring Rodland.

The Bears struck back in the next inning when Zack Dickson hit a two-out, two-RBI double off the right center field wall to put the Central Arkansas up 3-1.

But Nevada slugger Nick Leid started things off with a walk and moved to third on a hard hit double down the third baseline by Garrett Yrigoyen which slipped just past the outstretched arms of Bears third baseman Blake Roberts.  Brett Hart sacrificed to second base to score Leid, but Yrigoyen would get stuck on third as Carlos Escobar struck out to end the inning with the Pack trailing 3-2.

The purple and black would tack on another run against the silver and blue in the fifth with some aggressive baserunning.  Jordan Getchell would score after walking and stealing second on a single to center field by Pair to take a 4-2 lead.

Nevada threatened in the bottom of the fifth but could not convert after getting Moss and Kort on first and second with one out.  Moss stole third and the Pack had runners on the corners but Leid struck out to end the inning with Nevada still trailing by two.

Nevada starter Brock Stassi was pulled in the sixth with a runner on first and one out.  Coming in to replace Stassi was Jayson McClaren who got out of the inning on a 6-4-3 double play.  Stassi finished his day by going 5 1/3 innings with 5 strikeouts, plus 3 walks, 7 hits and 4 earned runs.

Central Arkansas extended their lead in the seventh when Pair, the Central Arkansas catcher, hit a clutch opposite field two out single to give the Bears a 5-2 lead.

As they’ve done the past two games, Nevada would try for the comeback.  They threatened for the lead in the bottom of the inning with pinch hitter Michael Turay reaching on an error followed by a Rodland walk.  With runners on first and second and nobody out Nevada Westely Moss came up to the plate.  Moss hit into the dreaded 6-4-3 double play that moved Turay to third. With two out Nevada first baseman Shaun Kort came to the plate and shot a high fly ball that carried over the center field fence to cut the Bears lead to 5-4. For Kort, it was his third bomb of the season.

Central Arkansas answered once again in the top of the eighth.  Tye Thorneberry hit a bullet past Yrigoyen at third base to score Jake Fuller from second after Fuller led off the inning with a deep drive off the center field wall for a double. From there, the Bears Game 1 starter and ace Michael Wild came in to close the door on the Pack, pitching two shutout innings to avoid the sweep.

Central Arkansas-Nevada Box Score

Central Arkansas-Nevada Game 1 Slideshow (Premium)

The Pack host Saint Mary’s tomorrow at 2:00 PM.

Babbitt ended the season by averaging 21.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game to take home the WAC’s top honor.  He also shot a sizzling 43 percent from beyond the arc, plus a cool 50 percent from the field.  After shooting over 90 percent from the free-throw line, Babbitt not only topped the WAC this year, he placed himself at the top of Nevada’s all-time career free-throw percentage leaders.

The sophomore from Galena also racked up an impressive 16 double-doubles on the 2009 season.

“I am extremely proud of Luke Babbitt for being named the WAC Player of the Year,” first-year Nevada head coach David Carter said. “He has been very consistent for our team throughout the conference as well as throughout the season. It’s an accomplishment for a player the caliber of Luke who has taken on many from opposing teams to have had the year he has had to this point.”

To show how dominant Babbitt was during his sophomore season among the WAC’s top 20 overall scorers, the Galena high product finished first in scoring, three-point shooting, free-throw shooting, and efficiency. He was top five in many other categories, including rebounding, steals and blocks.

Nevada, which for the second straight year will host the WAC Tournament, will play the No. 7 seed Idaho next Thursday night in the quarterfinals with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 PM. Louisiana Tech, knowing had they beat Nevada at Lawlor tonight, that they would have earned the No. 2 seed, now fall to fourth place overall in the conference.  They’ll play No. 5 Fresno State next Thursday in the WAC quarterfinals.

Tonight, the Pack broke up a 10-9 score with a solid 20-7 run with just over 8 minutes left in the first half.  Although the Bulldogs battled back to trim the lead a few times, at the half Nevada still held a commanding 41-28 lead.  The pack drilled 7 first-half three-pointers—-most of the wide-open variety—-to take control of the contest.

In the second half, Nevada stretched their lead to 16 points at the 13:23 mark after a lay-up by Marko Cukic.  Although sophomore Luke Babbitt, who we believe will likely be named the WAC Player of the Year, tied his career-high tonight with 29 points, plus 7 rebounds and 4 assists, it was the Nevada freshman, Cukic, who gave the Pack a monster effort in both toughness and hustle.  The big man, who is built nothing like Dennis Rodman, still found a way to “worm” his way around the Bulldog defense, creating havoc every time he stepped on the court.

“He really played a great game for us,” Babbitt said after the win. “He got us a few hustle plays, a few put-backs and just did a lot of things we really needed for the victory.”

Cukic also played strong and physical defense, staying down and strong on outstanding Tech big man Magnum Rolle, plus outmaneuvering a number of Louisiana Tech defenders for a handful of offensive boards.

The win was tremendous for the Pack on senior night as well, celebrating the careers of Joey Shaw, Brandon Fields, Ray Kraemer and the medically retired Richie Phillips with jersey ceremonies.

Louisiana Tech-Nevada Box Score

Louisiana Tech-Nevada Game Notes

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Countering for Central Arkansas was Bobby Pritchett and his 1-0 record and 3.12 ERA in two games so far for the Bears. Garcia looked sharp early and made a great defensive play in the first to help his cause.  With a runner on first and one out Garcia snared a high bounce with his bare hand and went to first for the out.  Garcia slipped while fielding the ball and appeared to twist his ankle but stayed in the game. Central Arkansas got on the board two pitches later as Blake Roberts hit a 2-run home run over the wall in left center field for his second homer of the year.  Garcia came back strong as he struck out Jake Fuller to end the inning with the Bears on top 2-0.

Nevada responded in the bottom of the first on a two-run home run by Brian Barnett, who also homered during the Pack’s opening win. for the second straight day.  Scoring on the dinger was Kevin Rodland who was hit by a pitch. Rodland advanced to third when Westely Moss ripped a single to center as the first inning ended 2-2.

The Wolf Pack overcame some adversity in the top of the second when Garcia took a line drive off the forearm with one out.  Garcia recovered nicely by getting Zack Dickson to hit into a 5-4-3 double play to get out of the inning.
Central Arkansas took the lead in the top of the fourth by keeping the Nevada outfield busy.  Moss made a nice diving catch to retire the first batter and Ronnie Mitchell made a nice catch ranging to his right to get two out.  However, Blake Roberts reached on an infield single for the Bears and came around to score on a gap shot to right field by Tye Throneberry to put the Bears up 3-2 in the fourth.

Nevada took the lead in the fifth when they got runners on first and second with two out with slugger Shaun Kort at the plate.  Kort ripped a shot off the top of the right field wall for a 2-RBI double to give Nevada a 4-3 lead.  Central Arkansas got out of a bases loaded jam when third baseman Blake Roberts caught a laser shot line drive down the hot corner by Nick Leid. Roberts snared the ball on a line in what was an outstanding defensive play on a hot shot.

The Pack extended their lead in the sixth when Ronnie Mitchell scored from second on a single by Rodland to give the Silver and Blue a 5-3 lead.  The hit marked the end of the day for Bears starter Bobby Pritchett who was replaced by Evan Cox.  Pritchett finished the game with 4 strikeouts while giving up five runs on 11 hits in five and a third innings pitched. Cox came in and gave up an infield single to Moss that loaded the bases.  Central Arkansas got out of the jam when Kort hit into a questionable double play that got Nevada coach Gary Powers out of the dugout.  It appeared as though Moss snuck by second baseman Kyle Prevett who attempted to tag Moss as he ran past but Moss was banged out by the umpire at third and Kort was out at first to complete the double play and end the inning.

Wolf Pack starter Chris Garcia was pulled in the seventh following a one out double by Bears catcher Michael Marietta.  Garcia finished the day with 2 strikeouts while giving up three earned runs on seven hits in six and a third innings pitched.   Replacing Garcia was Rickey Denham who gave up an unearned run on a sacrifice fly Prevett.  Denham was pulled in favor of lefty Mat Keplinger, who was making his home debut after a terrible preseason head injury.
Keplinger retired the one batter he faced with some quality pitching.  After opening a 2-0 count Keplinger came back with an 86 MPH fastball and back to back off speed pitches to get the pack out of the inning with a 5-4 lead.
Keplinger started the eighth with a walk but got an out when Michael Pair was called out for batters interference on an attempted steal by Bears runner Ethan Harris.  After arguing with the umpire Pair was ejected and Keplinger was pulled in favor of righty Tyler Graham.

Graham gave up a go-ahead 2-RBI double to Jake Fuller off the top part of the wall that brought around the two runs to put Central Arkansas ahead 6-5 in the eighth. The Pack threatened in the bottom of the eighth when Ronnie Mitchell led off with a walk.  Mitchell advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Michael Turay.  Nick Melino came up with a big pinch hit single that put runners on the corner with one out.  Kevin Rodland walked on a close pitch that sent the Bears dugout into a frenzy. On a 3-2 count Bears pitcher Evan Cox threw a tight curveball that the umpire called a ball.  Head coach Doug Clark and, according to Ryan Radtke, Bears pitching coach Ronnie Goodwin were tossed immediately as the field umpires had to intervene in the altercation. It was one of the more animated arguments you’ll ever see on a diamond.

With the bases loaded for Westely Moss and the Pack down by one Nevada looked ready to do some damage.   Moss walked to score the tying run and slugger Shaun Kort singled to right field to give the Pack a 7-6 lead with one out.  Brian Barnett walked to get his 14th RBI of the season as the Pack got an insurance run. Nevada pushed the lead even further when Nick Leid sent the first pitch from Jeremy Brewer off the top of the center field wall just feet short of a grand slam for a 2-RBI double.  Ronnie Mitchell hit a two run single in his second at bat of the inning to give the Pack a 13-6 edge.

The victory moved the Pack to 7-3 on the year and they will attempt to sweep the first home series of the year when they face off against Central Arkansas in the series finale tomorrow at 1 pm.

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“I thought our guys did a nice job with a pretty good pitcher.  He was pretty tough on us the first time through the order,” said Nevada coach Gary Powers of the matchup against Wild.  “I can see why he has the numbers that he has.”

Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch was Reno Aces General Manager Rick Parr who played an instrumental role in the development of the exhibition game that will feature the Reno Aces against the Nevada Wolf Pack on April 6 at Aces Ballpark.

Pitching for the silver and blue in the home opener was Beau Witsoe, a senior that has gotten off to a slow start here in 2010. He entered the game with a 1-1 record and an 8.53 ERA in two appearances, and once again, Witsoe had to grind out another game today.  But like most of the Pack’s games this season,  players are picking each other. It was Nevada’s offense that provided Witsoe with the support he needed as five players had multi-hit games for Nevada. The Pack also stole seven bases.

Witsoe looked good early on retiring the side in order in the first.  He struck out Greg Noble on an outside change-up on a 2-2 count to kick the home season off for the Pack.  Witsoe showed some nice defense by hustling over to cover the bag on a grounder to first baseman Shaun Kort then got out of the inning on a nice barehanded play on a bunt attempt by Central Arkansas.

Nevada got on the board in their first at bat of the season at Peccole Park after Kevin Rodland led off with a triple to right field.  Rodland scored on a Westely Moss sacrifice hit to second base to put Nevada up 1-0.  Central Arkansas would strike back quickly in the top of the second as Nevada ran into some early trouble. After a Witsoe strikeout, Jake Fuller got things going for the Bears with a single to center.  Fuller wasted no time getting to second with a first pitch steal and then scored on a line drive single to left field by Clay Washington.

Central Arkansas loaded the bases after Nevada second baseman Cullen Mahoney couldn’t handle a flip from shortstop Rodland in an attempt to turn a double play.  Mahoney’s error was followed by  two walks that gave the Bears a 2-1 lead in the second.  Bears freshman Ethan Harris hit a hard single between third and short to score another run but the Pack would get out of the jam on a nice defensive play by Shaun Kort trailing 3-1 in the second.

Nevada threatened in the third with runners on first and second with two outs.  After Rodland reached on a slow roller down to third, Westely Moss followed suit as he laid a nice bunt down the third baseline.  Wolf Pack clean-up hitter Shaun Kort came up just a little short on a drive to deep right field as he flew out to end the inning.

Wolf Pack shortstop Kevin Rodland flashed his leather all afternoon and it was on full display in the top of the fourth.  With nobody out Rodland scooped a hard grounder and flipped it to Mahoney who fired over to first for the 6-4-3 double play.

Nevada struck back in the fourth when Brian Barnett ripped a double off the right field wall to start the inning.  Barnett tagged up and moved to third on a deep fly ball to center field by Brock Stassi.  After Nick Leid walked, he found himself caught between first and second in a rundown, but Central Arkansas played the opportunity poorly. As Leid was caught in the pickle, Barnett started inching down the line.  Bears second baseman Andy Fox committed the second error of the day trying to catch Barnett at third.  The throw skipped away from third and rolled into the dugout allowing Barnett to score and advancing Leid to third.  Leid scored on a ground ball to the right side of the infield by Ronnie Mitchell as the inning ended 3-3.

The Pack pulled ahead with a big six-run fifth inning.  Cullen Mahoney started things off with a single to center and would get to third when Moss ripped a single through the left side of the infield. After a Kort fielders’ choice Brian Barnett was hit by a pitch the bases were loaded with two outs.

With two outs Nevada chased Central Arkansas starter Michael Wild after giving up consecutive hits with the bases loaded.  Stassi ripped a line drive off Wild’s shin that scored two when the ball deflected into right field.  Third baseman Nick Leid came up with an opposite field double to the right field gap that scored two more to make it 7-3 Nevada.

The Pack ended the fifth with a 9-3 lead after Leid scored on a wild pitch and Ronnie Mitchell came home when the Bears failed to get the out on a double steal.  Nevada held the lead with some good defense from Mitchell.  Leid finished the game going 2-3 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI.

Pack starter Beau Witsoe was replaced with Jeremy Cole who got a strikeout to start the sixth.   Mitchell then showed great defensive range first going towards the gap to make a running catch and then ending the Bears sixth with a running catch towards the foul line.  Witsoe improved his record to 2-1 with two strikeouts while giving up three runs (one earned) on  four hits in five innings of work.

Nevada increased their lead in the sixth when Kevin Rodland scored on an error by Bears shortstop Bobby Pritchett on a hard hit grounder by Brian Barnett.  With runners on first and second Brock Stassi hit an RBI single to center to give the Pack an 11-3 lead.  A bloop single by Leid loaded the bases and a deep drive off the left field wall by Michael Turay unloaded them giving the Pack a 14-3 lead to end the sixth.

Local product Brian Barnett (McQueen HS) crushed a mammoth 3-run home run over the 380 sign on the left field wall to push the Pack lead to 17-3 in the bottom of the seventh.

Barnett went 2 for 4 with 4 runs and 4 RBI playing in his first game back in Reno. “It felt good, to do it in front of family and friends felt really good,” Barnett said of playing in front of the home crowd.

Central Arkansas struck back in the eighth when Tom Jameson came in to replace Jeremy Cole.  Jameson had a rough inning allowing three runs on two hits including a two run home run to Bears DH Chase Huchingson that made it 17-6.

Jerad Harvey replaced Jameson in the ninth inning and gave up two runs before recording an out.  The first run was unearned on a throwing error by Brian Barnett who moved from third to first to start the inning.  Central Arkansas tacked on two more runs to make it 17-10 but Harvey responded with a strikeout to end the game and get the victory for the Pack.

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