Box Score

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team lost the battle of the boards and with it a 68-59 decision to Santa Clara, Wednesday night, in a non-conference game at the Leavey Center. The Rainbow Warriors concluded their 11-day road trip with a 2-2 record.

The Broncos out-rebounded the 'Bows 45-to-24, including a 23-to-11 advantage on the offensive glass. SCU's twin towers - 6-foot-11, 300-pound John Bryant and 7-foot, 275-pound Josh Higgins combined for 20 points and 17 boards in the low post.

They also held UH's frontline players, Stephen Verwers (7 rebs.), Ahmet Gueye (4 rebs.), and Todd Follmer (1 reb.) scoreless. It was Gueye's first shutout as a Rainbow Warrior in 33 career games.

Matt Lojeski led UH with 16 points while Matt Gibson added 14 and five assists. Guard Dominic Waters came off the bench and sparked the 'Bows with 10 points.

Santa Clara had four players in double figures led by Brody Angley's 14 points.

Undoubtedly the game was decided on the boards, which UH recorded a season-low 24 and were out-rebounded for just the second time this season. The 'Bows also shot a dismal 6-of-27 from the field in the second half and had just four field goals until Gibson drained two 3-pointers in the final two minutes of the game.

The 'Bows led 11-6 through the first six minutes of the game before the Broncos scored seven unanswered to regain the lead. The teams traded leads 10 times through the rest of the half until the Broncos led 33-31 at the break.

Lojeski led all scorers with 10 points. SCU out-rebounded UH, 20-7, in the first half.

The Broncos out-scored the 'Bows 9-2 through the first four minutes of the second half to take a 42-35 lead. SCU extended its lead to nine before the 'Bows mounted a comeback, cutting the deficit to three at 48-45.

But Santa Clara's height proved too much for the 'Bows as the Broncos extended their lead to 60-47 with 4:56 to play. UH pulled to within seven after Gibson's two treys and a pair of Lojeski free throws with 52 seconds left but that would be as close as they would get.

The 'Bows return to Honolulu to host UNLV, Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the Stan Sheriff Center. Tip-off is 7:05 p.m. The game has been designated a "White-Out," and all fans are encouraged to wear white shirts.

-UH-