Box Score

RENO, Nev. - The Hawaii men's basketball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2005 Western Athletic Conference Tournament after a 72-48 victory over San Jose State, Tuesday, in one of two first round games at the Lawlor Events Center. The Rainbow Warriors (16-12) will play UTEP in Thursday's first quarterfinal game at 12:00 p.m. PST (10:00 a.m. HST).

The 'Bows efficiently executed their half-court motion offense by assisting on 22 of their 30 baskets and shooting 50 percent from the field in their third victory over the Spartans this season. In addition, center Chris Botez held SJSU forward Marquin Chandler in check with 15 points, five below his season average.

All 10 Hawaii players scored including forward Julian Sensley's team-high 13 points. Sophomore guard Bobby Nash tallied 11 points off the bench while Botez posted 10 points and seven rebounds. Junior guard Deonte Tatum recorded seven points and a career-high nine rebounds and in the game converted his first 3-pointer of the season in 18 chances.

UH held the Spartans scoreless for 6:28 in the first half and scored 11 unanswered to extend a one-point lead into a 24-12 advantage. The 'Bows closed out the half with an 18-6 run to take a 31-18 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Spartans cut the deficit to seven after converting on their first three possessions. The 'Bows answered with a 24-7 run over the next 11 plus minutes to break the game wide open.

Late in the game, reserve center Milos Zivanovic scored a career-high five points and made his first 3-pointer in his three-year career. The 24-point margin of victory was the second largest this season. In January, UH routed SJSU, 71-45, in Honolulu.

The 'Bows have won at least one game in the tournament for the fifth time in the last six years.

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