Anthony Bennett's double-double leads No. 21 UNLV over Northern Iowa 73-59

UNLV's Anthony Bennett, left, and Khem Biech (2) attempt to block Northern Iowa's Deon Mitchell who drives to the basket in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Gurzinski) (The Associated Press)

UNLV's Anthony Bennett looks to the crowd after scoring two points against Northern Iowa in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Gurzinski) (The Associated Press)

LAS VEGAS – Anthony Bennett had 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead No. 21 UNLV to a 73-59 victory over Northern Iowa 73-59 on Wednesday night in the Mountain West-Missouri Valley Challenge.

Bennett, who had three blocks, was 7 of 12 from the field, including hitting two 3-pointers, and all four free throws.

Khem Birch added 11 points and nine rebounds in his second game of eligibility for the Runnin' Rebels, who have won eight straight. They struggled at times in the second half after leading 43-22 at intermission.

Marc Sonnen had 15 points and Anthony Jones added 13 for Northern Iowa (6-6), which is 0-3 against Top 25 opponents this season. The Panthers were held to 33 percent shooting from the field.