Box Score

HONOLULU - The Hawai'i men's basketball team used a second half outburst to defeat Tulsa, 92-62, in the third annual "White-Out" game, Friday night, at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Warriors snapped its three-game losing streak to improve to 18-8 overall and 10-5 in the Western Athletic Conference.

The game was played before a 7,780 white-clad fans who braved stormy conditions that drenched the Hawaiian Islands since Thursday. The victory moved the 'Bows into a third place tie with Nevada and improved the team's record to 31-0 over the last four seasons when scoring 80 points or more.

Despite spraining his ankle in practice on Thursday, forward Phil Martin made his 96th consecutive start. The senior also tied the school record for games played, tying Phil Lott with his 120th appearance. Martin finished with three points in five minutes played.

Senior guard Michael Kuebler led the way with 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting for his 20th career 20-point game. Senior guard Jason Carter ignited the Hawaii offense by scoring 11 points and dishing out five assists. His 11 points was his highest since a 14-point performance in UH's win at San Jose State, Jan. 10.

Sophomore Julian Sensley had an all-around game, recording 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists for the 'Bows, who shot 50 percent for the game and committed a season-low six turnovers.

Tulsa (7-18, 3-12) suffered its eighth consecutive loss and its largest margin of defeat in the series. Center Anthony Price led the Hurricane with 17 points while guard Jason Parker added 12.

Kuebler's 3-pointer from the top of the key put UH on top 8-6 after the first five minutes. The 'Bows pushed its lead to 15-10 but the Hurricane responded with seven straight to take a two-point lead. UH answered back and Jake Sottos' trey from the corner put UH on top 23-20.

The 'Bows closed out the half with a 13-4 run capped by Carter's second trey of the half and a last second lay-up to go ahead 41-32. Hawai'i had a balanced half as nine of the 10 players who saw action scored.

UH came out hot in the second half, outscoring the Hurricane 19-5 through the first six and a half minutes to take a 60-37 lead. Moments later, the 'Bows used an 11-0 run to push its lead to 73-43 with 7:58 left.

The 'Bows will play its final home game of the season against Rice, Sunday, Feb. 29. Tip-off is set for 3:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center. Seniors Martin, Shimonovich, Kuebler, Carter and Paul Jesinskis will make their final home appearance.



-uh-