Box Score

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai`i Rainbow Warrior basketball team used a strong start and strong finish to defeat BYU-Hawaii, 83-69, in an exhibition game Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.  UH never trailed in the contest, however, needed a second-half push to take down the Seasiders, ranked No. 1 in the preseason Division II poll.

 

The 'Bows shot a scorching 60 percent from the floor and used its size advantage to finish with a 46-24 rebound advantage. Five players scored in double-digits for the Rainbow Warriors, led by senior center Paul Campbell who posted a team-high 19 points and eight rebounds. Fellow big man  Petras Balocka missed just one of his eight shots to finish with 15 points, while adding six rebounds and three assists.

 

UH also got strong performances from its backcourt. Hiram Thompson tallied nine points, nine assists and five rebounds. Junior college transfer Jeremy Lay, started in his debut for UH, and finished with 13 points, six rebounds and four assists, before fouling out.

 

Both teams were without their marquee players. UH took the court without senior wing Roderick Flemings, while BYUH's Lucas Alves, the NCAA II Preseason National Player of the Year, was also sidelined. Meanwhile, UH senior Bill Amis played just the first 11 minutes before sitting out the rest of the game.

 

It was a fast-paced game from the onset. UH raced out to a double-digit lead in the first five minutes with all five starters getting in the scoring column. UH built its lead to as many as 19 points after a Thompson layup late in the first half.

 

But the Seasiders roared back, out-scoring UH, 8-1, in the final 1:41 to cut the deficit to 39-27 at the break. BYUH continued their run in the second half and when Rory Patterson nailed a 3-pointer eight minutes into the second half, it was just a 48-46 UH lead.

 

The Rainbow Warriors maintained their composure and responded with a 10-2 run to return its lead to double-digits. Hawai`i eventually got its lead back up to 15 points, 75-60, with just over five minutes left and never looked back.

 

The 'Bows now have a week to prepare for its regular-season opener. UH will face Southern Utah on Friday, Nov. 13 in the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic. Tipoff is set for 7:35 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.