Box Score Box Score

TULSA, Okla. – Hawaii began its defense of last year's Western Athletic Conference Tournament title with a 71-56 quarterfinal victory over San Jose State, Thursday afternoon at the Donald Reynolds Center. The Rainbow Warriors advance to the semifinals, Friday, where they will meet Nevada, who were 72-66 winners over SMU.

Junior guard Mark Campbell scored a career-high 17 points, including three 3-pointers. Campbell, who came into the game averaging 3.3 points per game, made 7-of-11 shots from the field, as he reached double figures for the first time in 15 games and for just the third time this season.

“Mark had a career night,” head coach Riley Wallace said. “We've asked him to step it up. It's tournament time. They're dropping off of him because he's been so unselfish all year in getting everyone else their offense. He was probably the difference in the ball game.”

Sophomore Carl English scored 21 points, 13 in the first half, on 8-of-14 shooting from the field. Senior Predrag Savovic had his first double-double of the season, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. The all-WAC guard returned to action after sitting out the team's final regular season game at Fresno State with back spasms.

The 'Bows advance to its third straight tournament semifinals but it didn't happen without some tense moments. San Jose State kept the game rather close, closing to within two, twice in the first half, and trailed by just five at the half.

But Hawaii answered with a 21-5 run at the close of the first half and start of the second to break the game wide open. The 'Bows scored the first eight points of the second half and held the double digit lead for the rest of the game. The Spartans wouldn't get any closer than 11 the rest of the way.

“Scoring hasn't really been my job,” Campbell said. “We've got six great scorers and my job's been to get them the ball and run the club. Today, our game plan was if they weren't guarding me, to hit a couple of shots and gain some confidence. I just kept shooting when I was open.”

As a team, Hawaii shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 41.2 percent beyond the arc. The 'Bows committed just two turnovers in the second half as they out-scored the Spartans 39-29 after the break.

Hawaii split the season series with Nevada, as each team won on its homecourt. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live in Hawaii on KFVE-TV (Ch. 5 The Home Team) and Rainbow Sports Radio (KCCN 1420 AM).

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