Box Score

HONOLULU - The start of the Bob Nash era for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball program ended in heartbreaking fashion Friday night as San Diego rallied for a 73-72 victory, in the season opener for both teams at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Nash took over the Rainbow Warrior program from former head coach Riley Wallace, who retired after 20 years with the school and as the winningest coach in the program's history.

After a three-pointer by Jared Dillinger and Riley Luettgerodt lay-up gave the Rainbow Warriors (0-1) their only lead of the night at 72-70 with under a minute to play, the Toreros tied the game on a Gyno Pomare lay-up with 28.1 seconds left.

On UH's ensuing possession, Pomare stole Stephen Verwers's pass and was fouled on his way to the basket with 2.2 seconds remaining. Having made 1-of-6 from the foul line prior, Pomare made the front end of two free throws for the winning margin. The 'Bows weren't able to get off a final shot.

Four Rainbow Warriors scored in double figures led by Bobby Nash's career-high 22 points and nine rebounds. Dillinger added 14 points and four steals while Luettgerodt and Verwers each chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds.

Nash's new up-tempo style was evident early on as the 'Bows ran often. But with the Toreros holding a 14-13 lead, Hawai'i's offense went cold during an eight-minute stretch. USD scored 10 unanswered during a 16-4 run in which the 'Bows were limited to four free throws, turned the ball over seven times and was 0-for-9 from the field.

But Hawai'i kept fighting and cut a 14-point deficit in half at the end the first period as newcomer Bill Amis' putback at the buzzer pulled the 'Bows to within 40-33.

After the break, Nash drained the third of his four three-pointers to get the 'Bows going. UH closed to within two on three occasions before tying it at 51 with 13:08 left following a Nash bucket. But the Toreros scored eight straight and maintained their lead until Dillinger's three-pointer with 1:30 left, tied the game at 70.

After a Torero miss, Dillinger wrestled the ball away from Pomare and started a fastbreak which led to Luettgerodt's lay-up with 45 seconds left. USD went to Pomare in the low post on their next possession and his lay-up tied the score. With the 'Bows setting up for the final shot of the game, Pomare picked off Verwers' pass and raced downcourt before being fouled by Nash.

Brandon Johnson led San Diego (1-0) with 19 points while Pomare added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

The 'Bows return to the court by hosting Illinois, Friday, Nov. 16. Tip-off is 8:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

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