Box Score

HONOLULU - Guards Michael Kuebler and Carl English stole the show in Hawai'i's 88-77 victory over Fresno State, Monday night, in a showdown of the Western Athletic Conference's top teams, at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Warriors (11-2, 4-1) moved into a first place tie with Bulldogs (11-3, 4-1) and in the process extended its home winning streak to 22 games.

English finished with a game-high 30 points but gave way to Kuebler in the first half. The junior from Salem, Ore., scored 21 en route to a career-tying 29 points. Kuebler was on fire, connecting on all six of his 3-pointers in the period. For the game, he was 10-of-15 from the field, including 6-of-10 from long range.

English hit the 30-point mark for just the second time in his career. The All-American candidate, who was named the WAC's player of the week earlier in the day, scored 23 in the second half on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting. He finished 8-of-13 from the field, 4-of-6 from downtown, and 10-of-10 from the charity stripe.

Like English, Hawaii could not miss in the second half, converting on 82.4 percent of its shots from the field (14-17). In addition, the team connected on a season-high 11 treys. UH out-rebounded the Bulldogs 31-to-23 and assisted on 18-of-28 baskets.

Nkeruwem Akpan finished with 10 points and six rebounds. Center Haim Shimonovich added 10 boards.

Through the first five minutes of the half, Kuebler made his presence known, hitting three treys to give UH a 14-9 lead. With the score tied at 25 with 5:00 to play in the half, UH went on an 8-2 run to take a 33-27 lead. Then Kuebler stuck again to put the 'Bows ahead 36-28 with 2:47 left. Another Kuebler trey gave UH a 39-30 advantage and his sixth of the half, with the halftime clock running out, put a cap on Hawaii's 42-35 first half lead.

Four Bulldogs scored in double figures led by Damon Jackson's 21. Terry Pettis and Noel Felix finished with 14 points each. The loss snapped a five-game win streak for Fresno State.

During the game, the UH Letterwinner's Club presented their annual Kane Fernandez Award to Daniel Lau, a former baseball and track player in the 1940s. The award is presented annually to a former letterwinner, who best exemplifies dedication and service to the community. Lau is the founder and chairman of the Finance Factors family of companies.

Next up for the 'Bows is a three-game, 11-day road trip to California and Nevada. UH meets San Jose State, Saturday, Jan. 18. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. PST at The Event Center. The game can be heard on KKEA Sports and Talk (1420 AM) with Bobby Curran calling the action.



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