Box Score

HONOLULU - The Hawaii men's basketball team led from start to finish in an 81-72 victory over Nebraska, Friday night, in the feature game of the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic. The Rainbow Warriors (7-4) advance to the championship game where they will face Creighton on Saturday.

UH will seek its 11th Rainbow Classic title and fifth in the last six years. Creighton advanced to the finals after an 80-72 win over Houston in the night's first semifinal.

Three players scored in double figures for the 'Bows, led by Matt Lojeski's 17 points and eight rebounds. Despite converting only three of five from the field, Lojeski found his way to the free throw line, where he made 11-of-12 attempts.

Forward Ahmet Gueye posted his third double-double of the season with a 16-point, 11-rebound effort. Bobby Nash had 11 points.

Led by freshman sensation Ryan Anderson, the Huskers (7-3) cut a 20-point deficit to seven in the closing minutes. Anderson finished the game with 29 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

UH dominated the glass, out-rebounding Nebraska 45-to-23. Stephen Verwers played inspired ball grabbing a season-high nine rebounds along with six points.

The 'Bows led 8-0 to start the game and never looked back. With 5:13 remaining in the first half, Nebraska head coach Doc Sadler was ejected from the game after picking up two technical fouls.

The tournament concludes on Saturday with the seventh place game at 11:00 a.m. The championship game between UH and Creighton is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

-UH-