Box Score

RENO, Nev. —The University of Hawai`i Rainbow Warrior put forth a strong second-half effort but it wasn't enough as Nevada handed UH its fourth straight loss, 74-63,  Thursday night at the Lawlor Events Center. UH dropped to 9-9 overall and 1-5 in the Western Athletic Conference.

 

UH nearly erased a 17-point halftime deficit by scoring 43 points after the break. But the early hole was too deep to climb from as the 'Bows remained winless in Reno (0-12) and extended its road skid to 10 straight games.

 

Nevada (12-7, 5-1 WAC) led by as many as 20 points, 45-25, with just 14 minutes remaining. But there was no quit in the 'Bows. A 21-7 run cut, capped by a Kareem Nitoto three-pointer, cut the Wolf Pack led to just six. Hawai`i was still within striking distance, 56-50, with six minutes left, but Nevada closed the door with 9-2 run that pushed the lead back up to double-digits

 

Brandon Fields scored 15 of his game-high 19 points in the second half to turn back the UH comeback. Field scored nearly half of his point from the free throw line, sinking 9-of-10 free throws in the second half. Luke Babbitt also added 19 points, with 11 of his points coming in the first half.

 

Nitoto tied his career-high with 14 points to lead three Rainbow Warriors in double figures. Nitoto tallied all of his points and a game-high five assists after the break to spark the second half charge. Hindered by foul trouble, UH's leading scorer Roderick Flemings finished with 12 points, while Petras Balocka chipped in 10.  

 

UH was ultimately doomed by a dismal start. The Wolf Pack scored the game's first eight points—all by Babbitt—and Nevada burst out to a double-digit lead just five minutes into the contest. UH weathered the storm and trailed 20-13 midway through the half. Nevada, however, went on a 14-2 run to build a commanding lead. UH was held to a season-low 20 first-half points—while shooting just 30 percent and committing 14 turnovers—and trailed by 17 at the break.

 

Hawaii shot 47 percent and had just two turnovers in the second half. Nevada, however, countered with 48 percent shooting and sank 17-22 free throws to ensure its fifth straight win.

 

UH has a quick turnaround and will return home to host first-place Utah State, Saturday, Jan. 24. Tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.