Box Score

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai`i Rainbow Warrior basketball team found themselves in a battle with in-state rival UH-Hilo in an exhibition opener for both teams Sunday at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Vulcans came close to pulling an upset, but the Rainbow Warriors eventually turned them back, 72-70.

 

UH led from nearly start to finish, but the Division II Vulcans gave a good fight by staying within striking distance for much of the game, including on the final possession when UH Hilo had a shot at a win. However, John Smith's leaning three-point attempt at the buzzer bounced off the front rim.

 

The Rainbow Warriors rode to the win on the back of its frontcourt tandem of junior forward Bill Amis and junior center Petras Balocka. With its superior size and skill advantage, the pair combined for 31 points and 22 rebounds. Amis, the team's lone returning starter from last year, finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Balocka, a junior college transfer, had eight rebounds and a team-high 16 points.

 

 UH out-scored the Vulcans, 40-18, in the paint, with junior center Paul Campbell chipping in nine points. Junior forward Adhar Mayen also added 10 points for the 'Bows.

 

The Vulcans countered with some hot three-point shooting. UH Hilo finished with 10 three pointers on the night. Senior forward Jay DeMaestri nailed four of those—including a shot that gave UH Hilo the lead late in the game—and finished with a team-high 21 points. 

 

UH led by seven, 39-32, at the break with Amis and Balocka accounting for more than half of team's points (20). The Rainbow Warriors finally got some separation from the Vulcans midway through the second half and took a 14-point lead on a Kareem Nitoto 's layup with eight minutes remaining.

 

But the Vulcans stormed back. DeMaestri hit a three pointer, was fouled and nailed the ensuing free throw to give UH Hilo a 68-67 lead with 3:12 remaining. Mayen drained a jumper on UH's next possession to reclaim a lead they would not relinquish, though the Rainbow Warriors needed a defensive stop on the final possession to seal the win.

 

The teams combined for 40 turnovers in their first live action of the season. Meanwhile, eleven of 12 players who suited up for the 'Bows saw the action by halftime. The Rainbow Warriors played the game without top recruit Roderick Flemings, who returned home to Dallas for family reasons.

 

The Rainbow Warriors will play another exhibition game this week when they face Chaminade on Friday, Nov. 7. Tipoff is set for 7:05 p.m at the Stan Sheriff Center.