HALFTIME: MWC Tourney - UNLV 28, Air Force 28

LAS VEGAS – The 4-seed UNLV Runnin' Rebels have controlled the pace for most of the first half and lead the 5-seed Air Force Falcons 30-17 at half time of game one of the 2013 Mountain West Conference Tournament.

The two teams played evenly for the first few minutes before UNLV went on a 12-0 run to open the game up. PLaying without guard Michael Lyons, The Falcons struggled at times on offense and defense in the first half while UNLV was able to establish its inside-out game very effectively for much of the half.

The Rebels were paced by Khem Birch, who scored eight points on 4-4 shooting in the half. Mike Moser added 6 points on 2-6 shooting and led with seven rebounds, also hitting 2-3 free throws and Justin Hawkins added 6 points. Bryce Dejean-Jones and Anthony Bennet scored five and four points respectively but saw limited action with two personal fouls each.

The Falcons were led by Kyle Green, who scored five points on 2-4 shooing and had four rebounds. Marek Olesinski and Tre Coggins add ed three points each.

UNLV shot just 2-13 on 3-pointers in the half but shot 41% overall (14-34) and hit 3-4 free throws. Air Force shot 33% in the half (8-22) and just 33% on three (4-12) and committed 13 turnovers in the half, which led 15 points for the Rebels.