Box Score

HONOLULU - Chad Owens scored three touchdowns, one on a 75-yard punt return, and Michael Brewster gained 150 yards on nine carries to help Hawai'i to a convincing 48-26 win over Nevada in a Western Athletic Conference game Saturday night at Aloha Stadium. Brewster is the first Warrior to rush for more than 100 yards since the 2001 season.

Hawai'i (2-2, 2-1 WAC) outscored Nevada (2-4, 0-2 WAC) 17-0 in the third quarter to decide the game. The Warrior defense could not find an answer for Nevada running back Chance Kretschmer who gained 178 yards on 34 carries and scored the Wolf Pack's first touchdown, but managed to stifle the Nevada offense forcing three turnovers (1 fumble, 2 interceptions) and four sacks.

And they got help from offense which gained a season-high 578 yards and scored a season-high 48 points. Quarterback Timmy Chang and Owens got the Warriors on the board first, connecting on 12- and 13-yard touchdowns on Hawai`i's first two possessions of the game. A second quarter touchdown by West Keliikipi and 40-yard field goal by Justin Ayat gave Hawai`i a 24-13 lead at the break.

Chang, who needs 853 yards to become the NCAA career passing leader, eclipsed the 14,000 mark in the first quarter and finished 21-of-35 for 322 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw his first interception of the season. Chang attempted 200 passes before throwing an interception (dating back to the fourth quarter against Houston in the Sheraton Hawai`i Bowl in 2003).

Ayat kicked a 43-yard field goal early in the third quarter. Later in the same period, Owens juked his way to a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, his second in as many weeks, and offensive guard Uriah Moenoa scored his first career touchdown after recovering a fumble at the goal line by Michael Brewster, to help the Warriors a 41-13 lead into the fourth quarter.

Safety Leonard Peters compiled a game-high 13 tackles and an interception, while linebacker Tanuvasa Moe recorded a career-high 13 tackles, an interception and forced fumble.

Chad Owens needs moved into second on the career list for all-purpose yards with 4,232 yards and needs 327 yards to surpass former Warrior great Gary Allen. He also tied the school record for most career touchdowns scored on punt returns with three, set by Bobby Ahu in 1969.

Hawai`i hits the road next week to take on UTEP on Saturday, Oct. 16 at the Sun Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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