LAS VEGAS – Khem Birch's put-back score with 12 seconds left, and his block with just five seconds remaining, lifted UNLV over Nebraska Omaha 73-70 on Friday night.
Birch, who had 9 points and 10 rebounds and broke a 70-70 tie with 12 seconds remaining, blocked a potential tying layup by CJ Carter, who had an open lane on the left side after a timeout.
Bryce Dejean-Jones led UNLV (2-1) with 19 points and eight rebounds. Dejean-Jones missed the jumper that set up Birch's putback.
Roscoe Smith added 17 points and a career-high 22 rebounds for the Rebels, who had 21 turnovers.
Devin Patterson led the Mavericks (2-2) with 17 points, while John Karhoff added 15. Carter, who had 13 points for Omaha, missed a potential tying 3-pointer from the top right arc with :01 left.
The Rebels, coming off a disappointing 86-65 loss to UC Santa Barbara on Tuesday, never trailed.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.