Box Score Box Score

RENO, Nev. – An 18-0 first half Nevada run proved to be the difference in the Wolf Pack's 79-69 victory over Hawaii, Thursday night at the Lawlor Events Center. Combined with Tulsa's victory at Rice, the Rainbow Warriors fall a half game behind the Golden Hurricane in the Western Athletic Conference race.

With Hawaii leading 19-14 with 9:11 to play in the opening period, the Wolf Pack held the 'Bows scoreless for nearly five and a half minutes while converting on eight possessions to take a 32-19 lead. UH played catch-up the rest of the game, but could not get any closer than four.

Sophomore forward Phil Martin led the team with a season-high 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting. Fellow sophomore Carl English added 16 points and seven rebounds. Center Haim Shimonovich recorded his third career double-double, posting 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Hawaii has one more chance to claim a share of its second ever regular season WAC crown, when it wraps up league play against Fresno State, Saturday night at Selland Arena. Tulsa has already secured a share of the title after concluding its schedule with a four-point victory at Rice.

For the Wolf Pack, freshman Kirk Snyder led the way with a career-high 22 points, on 8-of-19 shooting. Forward Cory Jackson cleaned up the glass, grabbing 17 rebounds to go along with 10 points.

Despite shooting just 34.5 percent from the field in the first half, the 'Bows went into the half with the momentum, trimming the Wolf Pack's 13-point lead to six, capped by a Mindaugas Burneika 3-pointer.

Consecutive free throws by Shimonovich to open the second half scoring, cut the deficit to four. After Nevada pushed its lead back to eight with 16:10 left in the game, Mike McIntyre drained his second trey to bring the 'Bows back to 43-38. But that would be the closest UH would get the rest of the way as Snyder and Terrance responded with back-to-back 3-pointers on Nevada's next two possessions.

The 'Bows played most of the second half without guard Predrag Savovic. The team's leading scorer came out the game early in the period after suffering back spasms. He returned briefly but was taken out after his back stiffened again.

Hawaii travels to Fresno on Friday, where they meet the Bulldogs on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Rainbow Sports Radio (KCCN 1420 AM) and televised on KFVE-TV (Ch. 5) throughout the state.



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