Box Score

HONOLULU - The University of Hawaii men's basketball team had another come-from-behind win within its grasp only to see it slip away in an 85-77 overtime loss to Idaho Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center. UH dropped to 11-15 overall and 7-6 in the Western Athletic Conference with its third straight loss.

Michael Crowell scored 20 points, including a three-pointer that sent the game into overtime, while Jordan Brooks added 15 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds to lead Idaho to the upset victory. It was the first win for the Vandals (7-19, 4-10 WAC) in 14 road games this year, while UH saw its five-game home winning streak snapped.

Bill Amis led UH with a career-high 20 points and added six rebounds and three blocks. Bobby Nash poured in 19 points and five assists while playing all 45 minutes. Matt Gibson returned from a one-game absence to tally 18 points and nine assists off the bench.

Like its win over then first-place Utah State two weeks ago, the Rainbow Warriors rallied from a double-digit deficit. But this time, UH's opponent rallied back. The 'Bows fell behind by as many as 15 points late in the first half and played catch up all game. UH looked like it would pull another one out when Nash sank four straight free throws to put UH up 68-65 with 30 seconds remaining.

But Crowell hit a three-pointer from the left wing with 22 seconds left to tie the game. UH had a chance to win the game in regulation but Darin Nagle blocked Amis' left-handed hook at the buzzer.

The teams exchanged baskets in the first 70 seconds of overtime, before a Mike Hall three-pointer put the Vandals up, 75-72, a lead the would not relinquish. Idaho sealed the game with six consecutive free throws in the final 24 seconds.

The Vandals used the long ball and some aggressive rebounding to pull the upset. Idaho nailed 11-of-22 three pointers and out-rebounded UH, 41-27.

UH will play its final home game of the season when it hosts Boise State on "Senior Night" Saturday, March 1. Seven seniors will be honored following the game which tips off at 7:05 p.m.

 

 

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