Box Score

HOUSTON - The Hawaii men's basketball team had no answer for Rice's Michael Harris in an, 80-61 loss, Sunday afternoon, at Autry Court. The Rainbow Warriors suffered their fourth consecutive loss and dropped to 14-11 and 6-10 in the Western Athletic Conference.

The senior forward totaled 30 points and 24 rebounds and became the school's all-time leader in scoring and rebounding in the game. Harris shot 11-of-14 from the field and also tallied three blocks.

UH guard Matt Gibson scored a team-high 22 points, his fourth 20-point game in the team's last five outings. The sophomore finished 9-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range, and had nearly half (20) of the team's 41 points in the second half. Senior guard Jake Sottos added 13 points but shot just 5-of-16, including 3-of-10 from long distance.

The loss marks the longest losing streak since the 2000-01 team lost four straight. UH's 10 conference losses is also the most since the 1998-99 squad finished 3-11.

The Owls (16-10, 10-6) scored seven unanswered for an early 7-4 lead after the first media timeout. Rice built its lead to 20-15 at the 8:29 mark before using a 12-0 run to break the game open. The Owls ended the half with a 20-5 surge to take a comfortable 38-20 lead at the half.

The 'Bows could not contain Harris, who posted 14 points and 12 rebounds and was a perfect 6-of-6 shooting from the field in the first half. UH's 20 points was its lowest first half total and 18-point deficit was the largest of the season. Sophomore Bobby Nash had eight points to pace the 'Bows, who shot 29 percent from the field.

UH shot just 37.5 percent in the contest and was a woeful 6-of-15 at the free throw line. Junior forward Julian Sensley (4) and senior forward Jeff Blackett (1) were both held to their lowest point totals of the season.

The closest UH came within in the second half was 16 and the largest deficit was 27. Entering the game, Harris needed 27 points and 17 rebounds to become the school's all-time leader in both categories and achieved those marks in the second half.

The 'Bows return to Honolulu to conclude the regular season. UH will host WAC leader Nevada, Thursday, March 3 and Fresno State, Saturday, March 5. Tip-off for both games is 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

-uh-