Box Score
Post Game Quotes
HONOLULU – The University of Hawai`i Rainbow Warrior basketball team made a furious rally but it wasn't enough as the 'Bows fell to Northern Colorado, 81-75, in the championship game of the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic Monday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
The game, which tipped off at 11:05 p.m., was part of the ESPN College Hoops Tipoff Marathon and the two teams gave a national audience a competitive contest and exciting finish. The Bears (3-0) ultimately broke open a close game with a decisive 17-0 run in the second half to claim the Rainbow Classic title in their first-ever appearance in the tournament.
Jeremy Lay led UH in scoring and was one of four Rainbow Warriors in double figures with 18 points.
Dwain Williams tallied 17 points and five assists. Williams scored nine of the team's first 10 points and had 14 by halftime, but would be held to just three-second half points.
Will Figures led the Bears with 15 points and tournament MVP Yahosh Bonner added 14 as Northern Colorado shot 56 percent in the second half. Both team showed jitters in the opening minutes and it would be a close contest throughout. The Bears held a two-point lead, 32-30, at the break and UH would take a five-point lead early in the second half.
The game was tied, 52-52, with less than nine minutes remaining but the Bears scored 17 unanswered points in less than five minutes. UH (2-1), however, would not fold. Lay scored 12 points in the final two minutes as UH went on a 22-7 run to cut the lead to just two, 76-74, with 22 seconds remaining. But it was too little too late for the 'Bows as the Bears sealed the win with five straight free throws.
Hawai`i will return to action this week when they host Brigham Young in a non-conference clash Friday, Nov. 20. Tipoff is set for 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.
All-Tournament Team
Will Figures, Northern Colorado
Chris Kaba, Northern Colorado
MVP: Yashosh Bonner, Northern Colorado
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