Box Score

HONOLULU - The University of Hawai`i men's basketball gave another valiant come-from-behind effort before eventually succumbing to Boise State, 78-71, on "Senior Night" at the Stan Sheriff Center. UH dropped to 11-16 overall and 7-7 in the Western Athletic Conference with its fourth straight loss.

Boise State, meanwhile, captured at least a share of its first WAC title with the win. The Broncos improved to 22-7 overall and 12-3 in the WAC.

UH trailed by as many as 18 points midway through the second half, but like it has all year, didn't let up. A frantic effort by the Rainbow Warriors cut the deficit to as little as three points, before the Broncos sealed the game with three free throws in the final 37 seconds.

Hawai`i was again led by its senior class, who were making their final home appearances of the year. Riley Luettgerodt led UH with 20 points and added six rebounds and five assists. Matt Gibson tallied 17 points and four assists, while Bobby Nash posted his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Jared Dillinger also finished in double-figures with 10 points.

Boise State entered the game as one of the top offensive teams in the nation and they held to form. Despite playing without key starter Matt Nelson, the Broncos shot 54 percent from the floor and got 55 combined points from Reggie Larry (23) and Tyler Tiedeman (22).

Boise State built a 14-point lead in the first half, before UH cut that to a 36-30 Bronco edge at the break. The Bows continued it momentum in the second half, scoring the first six points to tie the game. But BSU answered with a 22-4 run to make it 58-40 midway through the second half.

UH, however, wouldn't quit, employing a full-court press that in just five minutes helped cut the deficit to just four points. A Bill Amis dunk with 41 seconds had the 'Bows within three points, but that would be as close as it would get.

Hawai`i now heads for the road for its final two regular-season games, starting with a contest at Louisiana Tech on Thursday, March 6. Tipoff is 7:00 p.m. CST (3:00 HT).

 

 

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