Birch provides Rebels with much-needed boost

On a night when UNLV appeared at times to be settling for mediocrity, Khem Birch refused to be average.

The 6-foot-9-inch sophomore center posted a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, along with four blocks, in 24 minutes off the bench Thursday to help the Rebels avoid an embarrassing situation against lowly Chicago State and win, 74-52.

At times, the Cougars managed to drag most of UNLV's players down to a level somewhere between a fifth-grade game and intramurals. Their zone defenses and sloppy play (17 turnovers) made the game extremely ugly for stretches.

But Birch would have no part of it. He played a high standard of basketball, the kind that will serve him and the Rebels well when Mountain West play begins Wednesday at New Mexico.

"I'm just trying to bring some energy to the floor when I get in," Birch said.

Birch, along with Justin Hawkins and Carlos Lopez-Sosa, provided enough energy as the Rebels' bench outscored Chicago State's, 30-12. Lopez-Sosa had 11 points while Hawkins had six assists as they made sure things didn't get any uglier than they already were.

"I'm extremely happy with the lift our bench gave us," UNLV coach Dave Rice said. "Khem Birch was outstanding. There's no doubt he was bigger than the opponent, but he has a great nose for the ball. To get a double-double in his fifth game is impressive."

What was really impressive was on a night when UNLV had more turnovers (21) than assists (18), Birch was not culpable. He had only one turnover and added two assists and a steal to his stat line. It was a vast improvement for Birch, who had three points and five rebounds in UNLV's 79-73 loss to North Carolina on Saturday.

Of course, playing the likes of Chicago State (4-13) can do wonders for a player's game. Birch said the game didn't come as fast to him Thursday as it did against North Carolina, and he was able to do more.

"I'm starting to get comfortable," said Birch, whose 12 rebounds were a career high, topping the 11 he had against Robert Morris as a freshman at Pittsburgh. "My conditioning is better. I'm just now getting into (basketball) shape."

Rice said: "For Khem, the game experience is invaluable, and (Thursday) was another positive step for him."

For the time being, Rice is inclined to keep bringing Birch off the bench.

"We'll talk as a staff, but I like (Birch) coming off the bench," Rice said. "I think it helps us wear down our opponents when we're bringing Khem and Justin off the bench."

Birch said he's fine with that.

"I actually like coming off the bench," he said. "I can see what's going on and then come with that energy like I did (Thursday)."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.