Box Score

HONOLULU - With the help of a 21-3 second half run, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team held off Northwestern State, 89-78, Saturday night, in a non-conference game at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The Rainbow Warriors (5-4) led by as many as 20 in the first half but saw their lead dwindle to five, five minutes into the second period. From there, UH scored 15 unanswered to push its lead to 20 and the Demons never got within 10 the rest of the way.

Junior guard Bobby Nash had his first career double-double. His 22 points and 11 rebounds were both career highs. Nash finished 8-of-14 from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range. Senior guard Matt Lojeski led the 'Bows with a career-high 25 points while guard Riley Luettgerodt came off the bench and scored 13. Guard Matt Gibson added 14 points, five rebounds and two steals.

The game also featured some fireworks as NW State coach Mike McConathy was ejected at the 11:50 mark in the second half with UH leading 57-37 following his second technical foul.

Nash scored six of UH's first nine points as the 'Bows built a five point lead to start the game. UH extended its lead to 23-5 following a 14-0 run sparked by three straight 3-pointers including two by Nash.

The 'Bows led by as many as 20 in the first half and took a 36-23 advantage at the break. Nash led all scorers with 16 points and made all three of his 3-point attempts. UH held the Demons to 20 percent shooting.

NW State nearly erased the deficit five minutes into the second half. The Demons out-scored UH, 14-6, to pull within 42-37. But that would be as close they would get as UH scored the next 15 straight to extend its lead back to 20.

The Demons (5-5) were led by Luke Rogers' 22 points.

The 'Bows next host the 43rd Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic, Dec. 20-23, at the Stan Sheriff Center. UH opens the tournament against San Francisco, Wednesday, Dec. 20. Tip-off is 7:30 p.m.

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