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HONOLULU -- Predrag Savovic overcame his one-game shooting slump in a big way scoring a game-high 24 points, as the University of Hawai'i held on to a 75-68 victory over Portland, Wednesday night in the opening round of the 38th annual Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic. Hawai'i meets Iona in the semifinals, Friday at 7:30 p.m., while the Pilots drop to the consolation round and will face Holy Cross.

The senior tri-captain was 9-of-19 from the field, including a 4-of-9 performance from 3-point range. After sitting out the team's first seven games, Savovic scored 12 points but was 2-of-13 from the field in last Friday's 61-58 loss to San Diego State. Against the Pilots, Savovic scored 16 points in the first half as the 'Bows built a 41-36 halftime lead.

Forward Phil Martin scored 12 points, all in the first half, and grabbed 10 rebounds to post his first double-double of the season, and third of his career. Guard Mike McIntyre came off the bench to pour in 14 points, including three treys. Leading scorer Carl English struggled to find his shot, scoring an uncharacteristic five points, on 2-of-11 shooting.

The 'Bows out-rebounded the Pilots 42-to-27 and ran their half-court offense to near-perfection, assisting on 25 of their 27 baskets.

UH surged to a 24-15 lead nine minutes into the first half, behind three straight fast break baskets. Of UH's first 29 points through the first 10:00, Savovic had 13 and Martin 12 helping the 'Bows build their lead to 14 points.

Just five minutes into the second half, the 'Bows pushed their lead back to double digits (55-42) on a pair of McIntytre treys and a Savovic backdoor lay-up. UH maintained that double-digit lead throughout the half until Karl Aaker's 3-pointer cut the lead to six with 7:15 to play.

With Hawai'i holding a 70-63 lead with 3:00 to play, Frandsen drove to the basket to cut the deficit to five. On UH's ensuing possession, McIntyre hit a 10-foot jumper to push the 'Bows' lead back to seven. Portland answered with 1:33 to play on a 3-pointer by Adam Quick. But the 'Bows held the Pilots without a basket the rest of the way and Mark Campbell's two free throws with :26.8 to play, sealed the game.

In the earlier game, Iona came from behind to defeat Holy Cross, 71-59. Courtney Fields scored a game-high 19 points to pace the Gaels.

The tournament continues on Thursday with No. 10 Boston College taking on Miami (Ohio) in the 5:00 p.m. game and Georgia and Arkansas State to follow. Both games will be shown nationally live on CNN/SI.



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