Box Score

HONOLULU - The Hawaii men's basketball team handed head coach Riley Wallace's his 15th home opening victory, Monday night, after a 79-67 win over Coppin State at the Stan Sheriff Center. In his 20th season, Wallace has a 15-5 mark in home openers.

The Rainbow Warriors (1-1) were led by guard Matt Lojeski's career-high 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting. The Racine, Wisc., native also had a team-high eight assists and seven rebounds. Forward Ahmet Gueye posted his second straight double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Gueye also added three blocks putting him in the school's all-time Top 10 with 71.

Guards Riley Luettgerodt and Dominic Waters chipped in with 12 a piece. Reserve forward P.J. Owsley had seven points and four rebounds while center Stephen Verwers had seven boards.

As a team, the 'Bows shot 55.4 percent from the field and out-rebounded the shorter Eagles 40-to-28.

The Eagles (0-2) were led by guard Tywain McKee's 22 points.

UH led 9-7 five minutes into the first half and only 13-11 after eight minutes of play. The 'Bows then got hot, draining four 3-pointers during an 18-4 run pushing their lead to 28-13 midway through the half.

UH maintained their double digit lead and led 36-23 at the break. UH shot 50 percent from the field despite committing 12 turnovers.

In the second half, the Eagles closed to within 10 at 52-42 with 12:05 left, before the 'Bows broke the game wide open with a 12-2 run, extending their lead to 21.

The 'Bows next host Oregon State, Sunday, Nov. 19. Tip-off is 5:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

-UH-