Northwestern vs UNLV 11/29/24 - NCAAB Picks & Predictions

The Northwestern Wildcats continue their trip in Arizona Friday night with the 3rd place game against UNLV. Northwestern has five wins and two losses on the year following their loss on Thursday that ended a 4 game-winning streak. Offensively the Wildcats have been solid this season averaging 74.3 points on 46.4% shooting from the floor. Defensively Northwestern has been even better holding opponents to 61.3 points per game overall. Stay up to date with our College Basketball Picks.

Offensively Northwestern struggled on Thursday scoring 69 points including just 28 first half on 36.1% shooting from the floor. The Wildcats also lost the rebounding battle by 5 and turned the ball over five times in the loss. Brooks Barnhizer led the way for the Northwestern offense with 24 points on 15 shots and 38 minutes. Matthew Nicholson chipped in 14 points on four shots in 30 minutes as well, The Northwestern bench was terrible combining to score 4 points on 8 total shots between four players.

The UNLV Rebels come into Friday with four wins and two losses on the year following their loss on Thursday. Offensively UNLV has been solid this season scoring just under 80 points on 45.7% shooting for the floor. Defensively the Rebels have rolled opponents allowing just 70.4 points per game overall.

Offensively Northwestern struggled on Thursday scoring just 58 points on 43.8% shoot from the floor. The Rebels also shot 40% from beyond the arc and 53% from the free throw line. Jailen Bedford led the way for the UNLV offense in their last outing with 13 points on 13 shots in 23 minutes. Jalen Hill chipped in 11 points on six shots, while Dedan Thomas Jr. added 10 points in33 minutes as the third starter in double digits. The UNLV bench combined to score 13 points on 10 shots between 4 total players.

Each team comes into Friday having success this season and each will look to continue that trend. Look for Northwestern to jump out early on UNLV leading to the victory. The Wildcats have an elite defense that will stifle UNLV for the full 40 minutes leading to the win and cover for the Wildcats in Arizona. Final Score Prediction, Northwestern Wildcats win and cover 76-63.