TEMPE, Ariz. (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV men's basketball team (4-3) got edged by Northwestern (6-2), 66-61, on Friday in the Arizona Tip-Off at Mullett Arena.

Dedan Thomas Jr. and Jailen Bedford led the Runnin' Rebels in scoring with 17 and 15 points, respectively. Jeremiah "Bear" Cherry had a game-high 10 rebounds, while Jacob Bannarbie, who made his first career start, pulled down eight boards.

The Wildcats were led by Brooks Barnhizer's 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists. He made a game-high four 3-pointers. Jalen Leach added 15 points and Nick Martinelli scored 12.

DOWN THE STRETCH: Northwestern led 26-25 at the half and it was close throughout most of the second half. The Wildcats led by six with eight minutes to play, but Julian Rishwain hit back-to-back 3-pointers to cut the deficit to just two at 51-49. However Northwestern pushed its lead back to seven with two minutes to go. A Bedford 3-pointer cut it to four with 1:43 left but that was as close as it would get from there.

QUOTABLE: "We just need to tighten up on some things, but the guys are working at it. We a great spark by Jacob Bannarbie in the starting lineup and from Jailen Bedford off the bench. Great minutes all around. I thought everybody contributed and did a good job, but it just came down to a couple critical plays there at the end where we just have to come up with a loose ball and come up with a rebound. We did a good job executing on the offensive end and getting some good looks. Northwestern is a really good defensive team, always is. So a good job sharing it, moving it, creating for each other. But again, we can take that next step here of getting not just an okay shot every time, but a really good or a great shot  and that's what we'll keep working on. But the fight tonight was much better and that's what we need to do going into every game." - UNLV head coach Kevin Kruger.

NOTES: 
- This was just the second all-time between the two schools. UNLV won the only previous meeting, 101-95 in Las Vegas in 1977.
- Bedford was 6 of 7 from the field, including 3 of 4 on 3-pointers, off the bench.
- Northwestern (18 of 26) shot 16 more free throws than UNLV (7 of 10) did.
- UNLV out-rebounded the Wildcats, 34-33.
- The Runnin' Rebels held Northwestern to just 29.2% (7 of 24) on field goals in the first half, however the Wildcats shot 52.0% (13 of 25) after halftime.
- Northwestern led in points off turnovers 13-7, but the Runnin' Rebels had the advantage in points in the paint (32-18) and bench scoring (19-7).
- UNLV committed 14 turnovers, while Northwestern had 12.
- Northwestern led in assists, 15-9.
- UNLV has made at least one 3-pointer in a NCAA-record 1,234 straight games.

NEXT FOR THE RUNNIN' REBELS: UNLV's next game will be on Saturday, Dec. 7 at No. 21/19 Creighton. The 1 p.m. PT game will be televised live on FS1 and the radio call may be heard on ESPN Radio 1100 AM in Las Vegas.

TICKETS: UNLV men's basketball tickets may be purchased at UNLVtickets.com, by calling 702-739-3267 or by visiting the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office. 

KEVIN KRUGER RADIO SHOW: The first on-location Kevin Kruger Radio Show of the season is scheduled for PKWY Tavern District in Green Valley on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to attend in person and can enjoy $2 Miller Lites during the show, which airs live on ESPN Radio 1100 AM in Las Vegas.