Three takeaways from UNLV’s victory over New Mexico Highlands

Three takeaways from UNLV’s 92-66 exhibition basketball victory over New Mexico Highlands on Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center:

1. UNLV’s defense definitely got better.

The Rebels struggled in Tuesday’s 96-80 exhibition victory over Dakota Wesleyan. Coach Marvin Menzies didn’t make a secret of his disappointment, but said Thursday he was encouraged by how practices went.

He had good reason to be encouraged. It wasn’t that the Rebels spent all game locking down Division II New Mexico Highlands, but they clearly made more of a commitment to defense.

UNLV held the Cowboys to 35.1 percent shooting and forced 27 turnovers. UNLV freshman forward Troy Baxter Jr. blocked six shots, and in the first…