COL BKB: Kentucky 70, UNLV 60

LEXINGTON, Ky., March 18 (UPI) -- Jodie Meeks scored a game-high 19 points Tuesday and the Kentucky Wildcats ambled to a 70-60 win over UNLV in the first round of the NIT.

The 20-13 Wildcats also got 16 points from Patrick Patterson and 1- from Perry Stevenson.

The 21-11 Rebels were led by Wink Adams with 14 points. Joe Darger added 11 points and Mareceo Rutledge 10.

UNLV led by as many as seven points in the first half, but was a cold 3-for-17 from 3-point range and 1-of-6 at the free-throw line, allowing Kentucky to go up 36-24 by halftime.

The Wildcats held a 36-28 rebounding edge and dominated inside where they outscored the Rebels 30-16.

Kentucky plays the winner of the Creighton/Bowling Green contest in the second round.