Unlv Rebels vs Northwestern Wilcats Picks and Predictions November 29th 2024

UNLV, Northwestern see room for improvement

As UNLV and Northwestern prepare to face off in the third-place game of the Arizona Tip-Off in Tempe, Arizona, both teams have one goal: to bounce back from disappointing losses. This matchup offers each side a chance to address glaring weaknesses and avoid leaving the tournament winless.

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Contrasting Losses Fuel Urgency

Northwestern (5-2) narrowly fell 71-69 to Butler on Thursday, with a frantic final possession ending in missed opportunities. Meanwhile, UNLV (4-2) was outclassed in an 80-58 blowout by No. 25 Mississippi State, snapping a three-game winning streak. Despite these setbacks, both teams aim to regroup and finish strong.

Northwestern Wildcats: Polishing Offense Ahead of Big Ten Play

Offensive Efficiency Under Scrutiny

The Wildcats are averaging 73.6 points per game but continue to struggle with consistency. Shooting just 44.9% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range, Northwestern coach Chris Collins highlighted the need for improvement.

“The offense just has to be more efficient,” Collins stated. “We’ve got to be more crisp. Our offensive efficiency is not where it needs to be as the competition levels up.”

Star player Nick Martinelli, who averages 21.4 points per game, had an uncharacteristically quiet performance against Butler, scoring only seven points on 3-of-15 shooting. His ability to bounce back will be pivotal against UNLV.

Defensive Strength as a Safety Net

Collins has also emphasized defense as a way to secure wins when the offense falters. Northwestern’s rotations remain a work in progress, but the team will need to find stability quickly with Big Ten games looming.

“I knew there was going to be a little bit of a rocky road here,” Collins acknowledged. “We’ve got to get some confidence.”

UNLV Rebels: Rebounding from Rebounding Woes

Dominated on the Glass

UNLV’s defeat to Mississippi State exposed critical flaws in rebounding and physicality. The Bulldogs grabbed 19 offensive rebounds, resulting in a staggering 30-3 advantage in second-chance points. Forward Jalen Hill was candid in his postgame assessment.

“They out-toughed us,” Hill admitted. “Every loose ball was theirs. I think that was the major key.”

Toughness and Depth Tested

With only 13 points, Jailen Bedford led the Rebels in scoring for the first time this season, a testament to the team’s struggles on offense. Adding to their challenges, the status of center Jeremiah Cherry is uncertain after he exited Thursday’s game with a back injury.

Coach Kevin Kruger is urging his team to show resilience in the face of adversity, particularly with just 24 hours between games.

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Key Matchup Factors

Northwestern’s Offensive Adjustments

• Better shot selection and ball movement will be critical for the Wildcats, especially from beyond the arc.
• Rediscovering Martinelli’s scoring touch could tilt the game in Northwestern’s favor.

UNLV’s Physicality

• Rebounding will likely be a decisive factor. UNLV must compete more aggressively on the boards to counter Northwestern’s size and discipline.
• Depth and conditioning will also be tested as the Rebels play without a fully healthy lineup.

What’s at Stake

For Northwestern, this game serves as the final opportunity to refine their game plan before Big Ten play begins. For UNLV, avoiding consecutive losses is crucial for maintaining momentum in the early season. Whichever team can clean up their deficiencies—be it Northwestern’s offensive inefficiency or UNLV’s rebounding struggles—will leave Tempe in better shape.

Prediction

This game will likely hinge on which team can execute their adjustments more effectively. If Northwestern can find its offensive rhythm, they hold the edge. However, if UNLV can match Northwestern’s defensive intensity and dominate on the boards, they could surprise the Wildcats.

With both teams desperate for a win, fans can expect a hard-fought battle.