TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Brooks Barnhizer had 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists to lead Northwestern to a 66-61 victory over UNLV in the Arizona Tip-Off Friday night.
The Wildcats took third place in the Cactus Division.
The Wildcats made 5 of their first 7 shots in the second half, turning a one-point halftime lead into a 42-35 advantage nearly seven minutes into the second half.
A 3-pointer by Jailen Bedford brought the Rebels within one point with 12 1/2 minutes remaining. A few minutes later, Julian Rishwain’s 3-point shot allowed the Rebels to come back within two points with seven minutes remaining. Jalen Leach then made a 3-pointer and Barnhizer hit a jumper to give Northwestern a 56-49 lead with 3 1/2 minutes to play.
Another three-point basket from Bedford brought the Rebels within four points, but Barnhizer responded with a three-point play that put the Wildcats up 61-54 heading into the final minute. A couple of baskets from Jacob Bannarbie held UNLV to five points at the final buzzer.
Leach had 15 points and Nick Martinelli scored 12 for Northwestern (6-2).
Dedan Thomas Jr. scored 17 points and Bedford 15 for UNLV (4-3). Jeremiah Cherry had 10 rebounds.
Barnhizer made three 3-pointers and scored 13 points in the first half. Northwestern led 26-25 at the break despite shooting just 29 percent overall. The Wildcats made eight free throws, four 3-pointers and just three two-pointers in the half. ___ Receive poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Register here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll And https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
