Box Score

RUSTON, La. - The Hawaii men's basketball team came up short in a 65-62 loss to Louisiana Tech, Thursday night, in a battle of Western Athletic Conference unbeatens at the Thomas Assembly Center. The Rainbow Warriors (8-5, 2-1 WAC) faltered down the stretch after rallying to take a brief lead in the second half.

In typical UH-LTU fashion, the game was decided by four points or less for the seventh time in the last eight meetings. The Bulldogs (10-6, 3-0) have won six of those contests including four straight.

Tech forward Paul Millsap was the lone Bulldog to score in double figures, tallying a game-high 23 points along with 18 rebounds.

Four 'Bows reached double figures, including guard Matt Lojeski's team-high 15 points. Forwards Matthew Gipson and Ahmet Gueye added 14 while forward Julian Sensley added 11. Guard Deonte Tatum dished out a career-high 10 assists.

UH had a chance to send the game into overtime but Lojeski's trey rattled in and out at the buzzer. That the 'Bows even had a chance to tie was the result of missed free throws by Tech with under 30 seconds to play.

After a Gueye jumper from the foul line pulled UH to within 63-62 with 22 seconds left, Tech's Marcus Elliot missed the second of two free throws. On UH's ensuing possession, Tatum drove the lane but turned the ball over. Tech's Corey Dean was fouled but missed a free throw with 6.6 seconds left giving the 'Bows one last chance.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 11-4 lead to start the game behind eight points by Millsap. The 'Bows answered and cut the deficit to two at 20-18 after holding Tech to only two field goals during a four and a half minute span.

But Millsap and the Bulldogs got going taking its largest lead at 36-26 before the 'Bows scored the final four points of the half to trail by six at the break.

In the second half, the 'Bows forged ahead 50-47 with a 9-0 run, sparked by seven Gipson points. The lead traded hands until Millsap's three-point play with 2:20 remaining put LTU on top 59-57.

UH held the Bulldogs to 28.6 percent shooting in the second half and only six field goals. However, Tech converted 16 of 20 free throws after the break.

The 'Bows continue their road trip at New Mexico State, Saturday, Jan. 14. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. MST at the Pan American Center.

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