Box Score

LAHAINA, Maui – Making its first neighbor island appearance in seven years, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team blew past Chicago State, 86-57, Friday night at the Lahaina Civic Center. The Rainbow Warriors improved to 7-2 overall with their second straight win.

 

An energetic crowd filled much of the Civic Center to cheer on a UH squad that led from nearly wire-to-wire. Zane Johnson scored a career high 21 points to lead four Rainbow Warriors in double-figures. The junior also added seven rebounds and four assists. Bo Barnes chipped in 17 points, Joston Thomas added 15 and Doug Kurtz set a new career-best with 12 points.

 

The 'Bows buried 12 three-pointers—its highest total in more than three years—with Johnson and Barnes combining for 10 of them. Meanwhile, UH played much of the game without Hiram Thompson who was sidelined early in the game. Freshman Bobby Miles picked up the load at the point and finished with a career high 10 assists.

 

Hawai'i got a good game from the Cougars (3-10) early on but were never in jeopardy. UH exploded for a fast start scoring the game's first eight points. The Cougars responded by scoring nine unanswered to go up 9-8. It would be their only lead of the game for Chicago State as UH scored the next seven points of to take the lead for good.

 

The game turned in late in the first half when UH scored seven unanswered points, including a Johnson three-pointer at the halftime buzzer, to turn a three-point lead into a double-digit (39-29) advantage at the half.

 

The Rainbow Warriors then poured it on in the second half, outscoring the Cougars 31-11 in the first 10 minutes after the break to build a 30-point margin. UH led by as many as 32 points as all nine players who suited up saw action.

 

Hawai'i continued its tenacious play by limiting the Cougars to just 36 percent shooting and gaining a 45-31 advantage on the boards. UH also got to the line, converting 24-of-34 free throws.

 

UH now returns to O'ahu to host the second annual Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, Dec. 22, 23 & 25 at the Stan Sheriff Center. The 'Bows will face Florida State in first-round matchup on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 8:00 p.m.