Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. - The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team scored 21 consecutive points spanning the first and second halves en route to a 54-42 victory over Fresno State, Thursday night, in a Western Athletic Conference match-up at the Save Mart Center. The win was UH's third all-time in Fresno in 16 tries and snapped a six-game road losing streak this season.

The Rainbow Warriors (13-9, 4-5 WAC) held the Bulldogs to 23.6 percent shooting for the game and just 1-of-24 from three-point range. Fresno State misfired on their final 21 attempts from long range.

Matt Gibson returned to the starting lineup and led the 'Bows with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting. The junior guard picked up the scoring from Matt Lojeski, who was held to six points due to lingering effects of the flu. Gibson also grabbed a team-high nine rebounds and had three steals.

P.J. Owsley added 12 points and seven rebounds. Ahmet Gueye battled through foul trouble for much of the game and posted six points and two rebounds.

Both teams struggled to get it going in the first half. With 6:48 to go, the score was tied at 12-12. From there, the 'Bows got hot and the 'Dogs remained cold, missing their final six field goals and all five free throw attempts of the half. UH scored the period's final 15 points to take a 27-12 halftime lead.

The 'Dogs (15-7, 4-5 WAC) shot 22.7 percent in the half and missed 10 of their 11 attempts from three-point range. The 'Bows shot 37.1 percent mainly behind the shooting of Owsley, who led the way with 10 points.

UH opened the second half with consecutive threes by Nash and Gibson to take a 33-12 lead. Fresno State scored its first basket of the second half at 16:37, snapping a 10 minute scoreless drought that spanned two halves.

Moments later, a 9-0 UH run gave the 'Bows their largest lead at 46-23 at the midway point of the second half. The 'Dogs, who suffered from poor outside shooting and 21 turnovers, could only get within 12 the rest of the way but that occurred with just under two minutes to play.

Forward Dominic McGuire was the only Bulldog scoring in double figures. He finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

During a special tribute prior to the game, Fresno State recognized UH head coach Riley Wallace for his retirement with a gift basket.

The 'Bows next travel to Reno, Nev., where they will face the 15th-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack, Saturday, February 3. Tip-off is 5:05 p.m. PST (3:05 p.m. HST) at the Lawlor Events Center.

-UH-