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Nevada Las Vegas (2-2) at Pepperdine (6-1), 7 -- In terms of long-range possibilities, this could be a big week for the Waves. Already with a victory over Wisconsin on its ledger, Pepperdine can boost its nonconference profile with a victory over the Rebels before Saturday’s game at UCLA. “We’d like to have some wins in the bank,” Coach Paul Westphal said. “It gives you a cushion to make [the NCAAs] in case you don’t win your conference or your conference tournament.” UNLV, which has victories against Cal and Oregon State, was picked to win the Mountain West Conference. Lon Kruger is in his first season with the Rebels after coaching stops at Kansas State, Florida, Illinois and the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.

-- Eric Stephens