UNLV needs to slow down Kansas' offense

OMAHA, Nebraska (Ticker) - Nevada Las-Vegas' defense was in full force during the first round of the NCAA Tournament. They may need to be even better to have a chance in the second round.

The eighth-seeded Runnin' Rebels will try to slow down Kansas in the Midwest Regional on Saturday.

UNLV (27-7) cruised to a 71-58 victory over Kent State on Thursday, holding the Golden Flashes to just 10 points in the first half. That tied a record for the lowest first-half scoring total in tournament history, fueled by the Rebels forcing 17 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.

"I thought defensively we were really sharp, talking well, making aggressive switches and getting a lot of loose balls," UNLV coach Lon Kruger said. "I thought that was a big key in the first half."

Joe Darger scored 18 points and Wink Adams had 17 to lead UNLV, which is trying to make the "Sweet 16" for the second straight season.

But in order to move on, the Runnin' Rebels must upset the top seed in the region and one of the best offensive teams in the nation.

Kansas (32-3) advanced with an 85-61 victory over Portland State on Thursday. Brandon Rush had 18 points and Darrell Arthur added 17 to lead the way.

The Jayhawks, who rank third in the nation in shooting percentage, shot 54 percent (33-of-61) from the floor, including 12-of-25 from the arc.

The winner will move on to face either Villanova or Siena in the regional semifinals next Friday.

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