Box Score

HONOLULU - The Hawai'i men's basketball team overcame poor first half shooting and sloppy ball-handling in a 66-60 victory over North Carolina A&T, Tuesday night, at the Stan Sheriff Center. Playing their fourth game in a week, the Rainbow Warriors (7-3) turned it around in the second half by converting 61.9 percent from the field.

Four 'Bows scored in double figures led by senior forward Julian Sensley's 18 points. Senior forward Matthew Gipson recorded his third career double-double with 13 points and a career-high 13 rebounds, while junior forward Ahmet Gueye added 13 points and eight rebounds. Junior guard Matt Lojeski finished with 16 points but struggled again from the field, making only three of 11 attemps.

The 'Bows committed a season-high 21 turnovers but forced 22 miscues by the Aggies (0-9), who dropped their seventh road game of the season. In the first half, UH shot just 25.7 percent from the field and missed on 12 of its 14 3-point attempts.

The Aggies jumped out to a 7-2 lead before the 'Bows answered back. NCAT led for much of the first half until a Gipson free throw tied the game at 18. The Aggies regained the lead and held on until just before the half when Sensley's trey tied the game at 27.

Gueye gave the 'Bows the quick lead at 29-27 to start the second half but the Aggies responded until a Sensley lay-up gave UH the lead back at 36-35. The 'Bows built a 47-40 lead after a Sensley jumper and breakaway dunk with under 10 minutes to play.

Lojeski trey with 7:40 left put UH on top 52-42 and Sensley's second 3-pointer gave the 'Bows a 13-point advantage with four minutes left. The Aggies closed to within 60-54 with a minute remaining and closed to four twice but each time Lojeski answered with a pair of free throws.

Jason Wills led the Aggies with 17 points and five steals. Demetrius Guions and Trahern Chaplin each added 13 points.

The 'Bows next host Penn, Thursday, Dec. 29. Tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

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