Box Score

LONG BEACH, Calif. - The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team snapped Long Beach State's 12-game home win streak with a 93-78 victory, Saturday night, in a non-conference game at the Walter Pyramid. The Rainbow Warriors (15-10) became the first team to win at the Pyramid in 11 games this season.

Three nights after scoring a season-low in a 58-50 loss at Utah State, the 'Bows torched the Beach in the second half en route to a season-high 93 points. UH out-scored the 49ers 54-to-39 and converted a remarkable 27-of-28 free throw attempts after the break.

Riley Luettgerodt came off the bench and scored a career-high 23 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 10-of-10 from the free throw line. The junior also dished out eight assists and grabbed six rebounds while playing a season-high 33 minutes.

Matt Lojeski added 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting and recorded five assists, seven rebounds, and four steals. Matt Gibson posted his first career double-double with 15 points, all in the second half, and 12 rebounds. Ahmet Gueye (16) and Bobby Nash (15) also scored in double figures.

UH overcame deficits of 12 points in the first half and nine in the second period. The 'Bows came out flat in the first half, falling behind 21-9 and committing 11 turnovers. But UH rebounded and rallied with a 14-2 run sparked by eight straight points by Nash to take a 32-29 lead.

The 'Bows led by as many as five in the first half before the Beach (18-7) scored seven straight in the final two minutes to regain the lead. A pair of Luettgerodt free throws tied the game at 39-39 at the half.

In the second half, the Beach pushed its lead to 62-53 following an 11-2 run eight minutes in. The 'Bows persevered and ran their offense generating numerous assists while getting to the free throw line. A 13-0 run gave UH the lead back at 68-63 and for good.

The 'Bows continued to make their free throws, at one point, converting 24 straight before Lojeski missed with a half minute remaining. The Beach closed to within 70-67 but UH answered with six straight - a pair of free throws by Gibson and a bucket and two free throws by Luettgerodt. LBSU never got within six the rest of the way.

UH out-rebounded the Beach 38-to-29 and overcame a season-high 23 turnovers. The 'Bows finished 31-of-33 from the free throw line.

Aaron Nixon scored a team-high 17 points for the Beach. LBSU converted 10-of-27 from three-point range but missed crucial second half free throws. The Beach finished 8-of-15 from the line after the break.

The 'Bows will take the next week off before hitting the road again at San Jose State, Saturday, February 24. Tip-off is 7:00 p.m. PST (5:00 p.m. HST) at The Event Center.

-UH-