Box Score

LOGAN, Utah - The Hawai'i men's basketball team made school history in its 85-74 upset of No. 25 Utah State, Wednesday night, in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The Rainbow Warriors (20-11) move on to the second round where they will host either Nebraska or Niagara, Monday, March 22 at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The 'Bows, who won an NIT first round road game for the second straight year, posted its first-ever road victory over a nationally ranked team. UH's last victory over a ranked team was against No. 25 Fresno State during the 2001 WAC Tournament in Tulsa, Okla., which was considered a neutral site victory.

Prior to this game, the Aggies were 15-0 at home this season. Utah State, who was snubbed by the NCAA Tournament, finishes its season at 25-4.

The 'Bows shot 61.8 percent from the field, its second highest shooting performance of the season. UH also improved to a perfect 33-0 over the last four seasons, when scoring more than 80 points. The victory also gave UH its 10th 20-win season all-time.

Senior guard Michael Kuebler led the way with a game-high 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting. His four 3-pointers pushed his season total to 91, surpassing Carl English's single-season school record of 89. Kuebler, who missed tying his career-high by one point, also dished out six assists.

Ogden, Utah native Jeff Blackett came off the bench to score 18 points and grab six rebounds. Playing in front of more than 40 family and friends, the junior was 9-of-12 shooting from the field. Senior Jason Carter, who started his second straight game, recorded 13 points and six assists. Forward Julian Sensley added 12 points, nine rebounds, and three steals.

Behind a 12-2 run and 11-of-14 shooting from the field, the 'Bows built a 25-16 lead midway through the first half. The Aggies came roaring back with an 8-0 run, sparked by 3-pointers by Spencer Nelson and Cardell Butler to close to within one. But the 'Bows answered the call with a 9-0 run of its own to push its lead into double figures.

Carter's jumper in the lane as the first half clock winded down, put UH ahead 43-32 at the half. For the half, the 'Bows shot a season-high 65.5 percent from the field with Kuebler (14) and Blackett (10) scoring in double figures.

UH increased its lead to 51-37 early in the second half after consecutive treys by Carter and Kuebler. After the Aggies cut the deficit to 53-44, UH used a 7-0 run to take a 60-44 lead midway through the period.

The 'Bows went up by as much as 18 but the Aggies closed to 69-61 with just over five minutes left after a 9-0 run. Blackett ended that spurt with a lay-up and added another moments later to put UH up for good.

Nelson led the Aggies with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Butler added 15 points.



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