Box Score

HONOLULU - Corey Dean's jumper with 47.1 seconds left gave visiting Louisiana Tech a 62-61 victory over Hawai'i, Thursday night, in a Western Athletic Conference game at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Warriors (16-5, 8-3) had a chance for the win, but sophomore Julian Sensley's 3-point attempt at the buzzer rimmed out.

The 'Bows dropped into second place in the WAC standings behind UTEP (18-4, 9-3), who were 58-55 winners over Fresno State.

Senior guard Michael Kuebler and reserve forward Jeff Blackett each scored 15 points to pace the 'Bows, who dropped its third home game of the season. Kuebler struggled from the field, misfiring on eight of his 11 attempts from 3-point range.

Sensley finished with 12 points, despite playing just six minutes in the first half due to foul trouble. Senior Haim Shimonovich posted his 10th career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Bulldogs were led by freshman Paul Millsap's 19 points and eight rebounds. Dean finished with 12 points. Tech played without starter JueMichael Young and reserve guard Bruce Edwards due to disciplinary reasons. Millsap, the nation's leader in rebounding, didn't start the game for the same reasons.

Just five minutes into the game, Sensley picked up two quick fouls after scoring four points and grabbing three rebounds. In his absence, Tech took a 12-9 lead midway through the half on consecutive buckets by Dean. The 'Bows answered back, and forged ahead, 19-17, after Phil Martin's turnaround jumper and Blackett's steal and breakaway dunk. The Bulldogs responded with six straight to go back ahead 23-19.

After missing his first five attempts from 3-point range, Kuebler connected on his first to pull UH to within 23-22. After another Kuebler miss, Blackett's putback gave the 'Bows a 24-23 lead. The teams traded scores until Wayne Powell's turnaround jumper put Tech on top 27-26 at the break.

The Bulldogs scored the first nine points of the second half to take a 36-26 lead. Lee's lay-up from Sensley snapped an 11-0 run which started from the first half. Kuebler's second trey pulled UH to 36-31. A pair of Sensley free throws cut the deficit to three and Kuebler tied it at 36 with his third trey from the top of the key. Shimonovich's turnaround jumper capped a 12-0 scoring run which put UH on top 38-36 lead.

The teams answered each other's call down the stretch. The game featured 24 lead changes and nine ties. With the score tied at 53, Powell picked up a loose ball and his dunk and ensuing free throw put Tech on top 56-53 with 3:44 to play.

Sensley's jumper cut the deficit to one but Donell Allick answered with another jumper. Blackett's 3-pointer from the corner tied the game at 58 with 2:51 to play. Millsap missed two free throws and on the other end Kuebler made two for a 60-58 Hawai'i lead. Dean came down court and his turnaround jumper tied it at 60 with 1:58 remaining.

On UH's next possession, Kuebler drove the lane and was fouled. His free throw put UH ahead 61-60 at the 1:30 mark. Both teams turned the ball over on its next possessions until Dean's jumper secured the victory.

Former Miami Heat and UH standout Anthony "AC" Carter was honored during the first half of the game. Last year, Carter donated $100,000 to the Athletic Department for basketball scholarships.

The 'Bows conclude its three-game homestand with a date against SMU, Saturday, Feb. 14. Tip-off for the Valentine's Day match-up is set for 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.



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