IRVINE, Calif. (Interstat) — UNLV withstood a furious second-half comeback by UC Irvine to secure a 75-72 men’s basketball victory Tuesday night at Bren Events Center.

The Runnin’ Rebels built a 13-point halftime lead and maintained their advantage despite the Anteaters’ 48-point second-half surge. UNLV shot 53.7% from the field and made 11 3-pointers. UC Irvine countered with 15 steals and forced 19 turnovers but shot just 40.3% overall.

Tyrin Jones led UNLV with 13 points. UC Irvine’s Derin Saran scored a game-high 18 points and had six assists. Attendance was 1,113. UNLV improved to 18-16. UC Irvine fell to 23-12.