Khem Birch has been effective in short bursts, using his length and athleticism to change the rhythm of games.

Birch scored 13 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked four shots in 24 minutes off the bench Thursday to help UNLV beat Chicago State.

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

Birch is averaging 10.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in just 21.8 minutes per game since making his season debut on Dec. 17.

"I'm starting to get comfortable," said Birch, whose 12 rebounds against Chicago State were a career high. "My conditioning is better. I'm just now getting into (basketball) shape."