Anthony Bennett has averaged just 10 points and shot just two free throws over his last three games, all against Mountain West Conference opponents.

"It's a lot tougher," Bennett said of conference play. "They are just trying to stop me. They are going to do whatever it takes, if it's double-teaming or just being straight up physical with me. But I think I'm going to adjust to it soon, and hopefully it will get better."

UNLV coach Dave Rice said opponents have adjusted to Bennett’s skill set.

"Conference play is different in terms of how teams scout and in terms of how physical the games are. I think it's been a little bit of an adjustment for him," Rice said. "Anthony was fantastic in nonconference, and so teams are going to set their defense around him. He's the first person on their scouting report, so they're going to guard him hard and know where he is."

Bennett is still adapting to the physicality of college basketball on the offensive end.

"In high school, I never really had all that stuff," Bennett said. "We have a lot of weapons, but they feel like they need to double-team me to get the ball out of my hands, and it is what it is. I'm not going to try and force any shots or anything. I just want us to win."

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."

Kendall Smith has announced his commitment to UNLV.

Smith is a point guard from Deer Valley in California.

Anthony Bennett has had an outstanding freshman season at UNLV, averaging 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 28.3 minutes per game.

Bennett has increased his stock in the eyes of NBA scouts.

"I have heard Karl Malone a little bit, which is really intriguing," wrote Chad Ford.

Bennett is listed at 6'8, which would make him a slightly undersized power forward.