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HONOLULU -- Sophomore forward Carl English stole the show on Senior Night, as Hawai'i crushed Rice, 79-50, Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center. A crowd of 9,807 watched as the Rainbow Warriors concluded its first undefeated Western Athletic Conference home season (9-0) and improve to 23-4, 14-2.

English finished with a team-high 21 points, and a career-tying five 3-pointers, in scoring 17 first half points. Seniors Predrag Savovic and Mindaugas Burneika added 20 and 12, respectively. The other senior, guard Mike McIntyre, struggled to find his shot, scoring just six points.

After the game, the three seniors were honored in the traditional Senior Night ceremonies, which included a presentation of senior plaques, parting shots, and lei from the thousands of fans who stayed to paid tribute to them.

Despite shooting 36.5 percent from the field, the 'Bows still managed to rout the Owls. UH connected on nine 3-pointers and out-rebounded Rice, 41-36.

The win puts the 'Bows in the driver seat to capture its second WAC regular season crown. UH needs just one victory in their final two games to capture a share of the title and two wins for the outright championship.

After the Owls closed to within 22-19 with 8:26 left in the first period, the 'Bows went on a 15-5 run, sparked by two English 3-pointers, to go into the half with a 13-point cushion.

Hawai'i ran away from Rice in the second half, increasing its lead to as much as 33 (75-42). Frustration by the Owls spilled onto the court as freshman Rashid Smith was charged with two technical fouls after appearing to instigate fights with UH players.

Every member of the UH squad got into the game, the highlight being freshman Nkeruwem Akpan scoring his first points as a Rainbow Warrior. In 11 minutes, the Nigerian finished with six points and three rebounds, all career highs.

The 'Bows conclude its regular season on the road with games at Nevada, Feb. 28 and Fresno State, Mar. 2.

-uh