Box Score
Post Game Quotes

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai`i Rainbow Warrior basketball team grinded out a 56-46 win over UC Riverside Tuesday night at the Stan Sheriff Center. The 'Bows improved to 6-3 with its third straight win and sixth straight home victory.

 

The Rainbow Warriors avenged last year's Bracketbusters loss at Riverside, while also snapping the Highlanders' (7-3) three-game win streak. UH never trailed but was in for a battle the full 40 minutes as the game took a defensive tone from the outset. Hawai`i allowed a season-low point total for an opponent and it was the best defensive effort since the Rainbow Warriors limited Fresno State to 42 points during the 2006-2007 season.

 

Baskets were hard to come by for both teams. UCR tallied as many turnovers as it did field goals (14). The Highlanders shot just 28 percent for the game, including a paltry 1-of-12 from three-point land.

 

UH didn't fare much better, shooting 38 percent and finishing with 14 field goals to 19 turnovers. The difference, however, was at the free throw line. The 'Bows attempted just six three-pointers, took the ball to the basketball and got to the line 33 times, converting 27 times.

 

Roderick Flemings led the way, draining 10 of his 13 free throws attempts and finishing with a game-high 16 points. Petras Balocka recorded 12 points and nine rebounds, while Adhar Mayen chipped in 10 points.

 

Kyle Austin led UCR with 13 points, although the sophomore forward was held to just 3-of-14 shooting from the floor. Aaron Scott added 12 for the Highlanders.

 

UH led by five at halftime, 25-20, and slowly plotted its way to a 12-point lead late in the second half to seal the win.

 

Hawai`i next hosts the 45^th Annual Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic, Dec. 27-30. The 'Bows will face Colorado State on the opening night of the tournament, Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m.