Box Score

LAS CRUCES, NM - The University of Hawai`i men's basketball team ran out of gas in the second half of a 92-86 loss to New Mexico State, Thursday night, in the Western Athletic Conference opener for both teams at the Pan American Center. The Rainbow Warriors (9-5) had their five-game win streak snapped and allowed 90 points for the first time since 2000, a span of 184 games.

UH also lost for the first time this season when leading at the half, after the 'Bows surrendered a 38-34 advantage. The Aggies out-scored UH, 58-48 in the second half, while shooting 69 percent from the field.

Four 'Bows scored in double figures led by guard Matt Lojeski's 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Guard Matt Gibson added 16 points and seven rebounds and reserve guard Riley Luettgerodt had 16 in the second half, 14 of which came after intermission. Bobby Nash had 11 points, all in the second half.

NMSU featured six players in double figures, including forward Justin Hawkins' 18 points. Martin Iti came off the bench and scored 14 points and connected on all seven of his attempts.

The Aggies led for much of the first half until Gibson's three-point play put UH on top 25-24. The 'Bows tied it at 30 and closed the half by out-scoring the Aggies 8-4 to take a 38-34 halftime lead. Lojeski (13) and Gibson (12) combined to score 25 points.

UH took its largest lead at 47-42 in the second half but the Aggies regained the lead on Ingram's three-pointer at 54-53. With a 65-64 lead, NMSU went on a 14-4 run to push its lead to 77-66 with 5:05 left.

Behind Luettgerodt, the 'Bows trimmed the deficit to five with 3:14 remaining and got within four after scoring six straight with under a minute left. After Lojeski's lay-up with 3.0 seconds left pulled UH to 89-86, Shaun Davis made one of two free throws to seal the victory.

UH out-rebounded the bigger and taller Aggies, 38-to-31 despite being plagued in foul trouble throughout the game. Gibson, Ahmet Gueye and P.J. Owsley fouled out of the game.

The Aggies converted 25-of-35 from the free throw line compared to UH's 10-of-12. The 'Bows committed a season-high 23 turnovers and were credited with six steals.

Hawai'i next travels to Louisiana Tech, Saturday, January 6. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. CST (3:00 p.m. HST) at the Thomas Assembly Center.

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