UNLV guard Keshon Gilbert played 32 games as a freshman. He never scored more than eight points.

In two games this season, Gilbert’s offensive growth has been on full display. The sophomore scored 13 points Monday to lead the Rebels in an opening win over Southern, but that turned out to be a preview for Saturday’s performance.

Gilbert scored 23 points to help UNLV (2-0) cruise to an 88-63 win over Incarnate Word at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“Just (spent) hours in the gym the whole summer,” Gilbert said. “That really just brought me to his point. That and my teammates finding me open. It’s really a group effort.”

UNLV coach Kevin Kruger praised Gilbert’s preparation.

“Excited for him. He deserves it,” Kruger said. “He worked like crazy to get that shot more confident and more comfortable.”

Gilbert did a little bit of everything Saturday. The guard made six of his 10 shots, including four of five 3-pointers, and went 7-for-8 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed two rebounds and was a pest on defense, racking up four steals.

The St. Louis native made multiple 3s in a game only once as a freshman. Kruger said Gilbert’s emphasis during the offseason was making his shot more consistent.

The UNLV coach said Gilbert’s improved shot, coupled with his ability to drive to the rim, will open up tons of new opportunities for him on offense.

“He’s going to keep working at it,” Kruger said. “We’re excited for his start and his future.”

Gilbert wasn’t the only Rebel with a strong outing against the Cardinals (0-2). Fifth-year wing Elijah Parquet had nine points, three rebounds and two steals in a team-high 27 minutes, and sophomore Jackie Johnson III added 13 points off the bench.

Senior Luis Rodriguez only played 16 minutes Saturday, but had 10 points, six rebounds, five assists and six steals.

“Just showing that I can do a little bit of everything, and just playing hard,” he said.

The Rebels’ defense continued to be as good as advertised, too. UNLV forced 25 turnovers against Incarnate Word and came away with 17 steals. The Rebels also had five blocks.

UNLV still has plenty of work to do before playing No. 24 Dayton on Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center. Incarnate Word and Southern took advantage of Kruger’s smaller lineups through offensive rebounding.

The 6-foot-6-inch Rodriguez is often UNLV’s second-tallest player on the floor, and the Rebels gave up 11 offensive rebounds during the first 20 minutes Saturday. The Cardinals only had two more in the second half, which Kruger credited to the team’s commitment to getting back and helping box out.

Kruger said some players were leaking out too early, looking for transition opportunities in the first half, but it will be something to keep an eye on going forward.

“It just kind of came down to that,” Kruger said, “to remembering to stay in there, not leak out and finish the possession.”

Contact reporter Andy Yamashita at [email protected]. Follow @ANYamashita on Twitter.