Illinois, which entered this matchup with UNLV undefeated, couldn't find any offensive rhythm in the opening half and trails 33-22. The Fighting Illini shot only 8/26 from the field as a team and committed nine turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.
UNLV used a balanced offensive attack to grab the early lead. Quintrell Thomas led all scorers in the opening half with seven points on 3/4 shooting from the field. Brice Massamba chipped in with six points for the Runnin' Rebels. Six other guys scored at least three points for UNLV in the opening half.
Brandon Paul led Illinois with a team-high six points against the stingy UNLV defense. Tyler Griffey and Sam Maniscalco each added four points for the Fighting Illini.
For more on the Illini, be sure to visit Hail To The Orange . Runnin' Rebels information and analysis is available at Mountain West Connection. For other news and notes from around college basketball, visit SB Nation's college basketball news hub.