Box Score

LAHAINA, Maui - The Hawai'i men's basketball team used a stifling defense and efficient second half shooting to defeat Santa Clara, 56-43, Monday night, in the first round of the EA Sports Maui Invitational. The Rainbow Warriors advance to Tuesday's semifinals, where they will meet host Chaminade, who upset Villanova in the first game of the day.

The 'Bows were led by senior guard Michael Kuebler's 15 points, 13 of which came in the second half, in which he converted 5-of-6 field goal attempts. Senior center Haim Shimonovich sparked the Hawai'i defense and added nine points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Sophomore Julian Sensley had 12 points and seven boards.

"I think they were little uptight and upset with themselves," head coach Riley Wallace said about his team's lack of focus to start the game. "And we put in Haim and they picked it up defensively and loosened up. We tightened up our defense and Haim had a lot to do with that. He blocked up the middle and added a little in intimidation in there."

UH found themselves down 12-0 to start the game after missing its first four shot attempts and turning the ball over three times. But the 'Bows chipped away from the deficit and held the Broncos scoreless during a seven-minute stretch. During that span, Hawaii scored nine straight points to close to within 14-11 with 8:30 remaining.

The 'Bows eventually tied the game after a Shimonovich free throw and took the lead for good after Vaidotas Peciukas converted two from the charity stripe with 2:10 left. UH closed the half by limiting the Broncos to just six points, on 2-of-16 shooting, in the final 16:36.

Hawai'i found their shooting touch after intermission with a barrage of 3s that turned a three-point halftime lead into a nine-point advantage with 13:54 remaining. Kuebler connected on all three of his long range attempts while Sensley drilled his second trey after the Broncos closed the deficit to two midway through the half.

The UH defense stiffened up again late in the second half, allowing only three points during 10 minute stretch, which extended their lead to 15 points with just 2:13 remaining. "This was like our third game, counting the exhibition," Wallace said. "We were in better condition down the stretch tonight."

The 'Bows face Chaminade at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday. The Division II Silverswords snapped a 30-game losing streak in the tournament with a 52-49 upset of Villanova. The game will be shown live on ESPN2 and can be heard on KKEA 1420AM or via the internet uhathletics.hawaii.edu



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