Box Score

WAILUKU, Maui – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team concluded its two-game neighbor island tour with a 65-57 win before a boisterous crowd of 1,412 at War Memorial Gym on Maui Sunday night. The Rainbow Warriors improved to 5-4 with their third straight win.
 
After defeating UH Hilo on Friday in its first Big Island appearance in 21 years, the Rainbow Warriors got all it could handle against the Aggies needing a late-second half surge to pull off the win. It was the second straight year UH won on Maui, after defeating Chicago State in Lahaina last December.
 
It was an ugly game with the teams combining for 44 turnovers and 43 personal fouls. Defense saved the day again for the 'Bows, who held the Aggies scoreless during a decisive 11-0 run late in the game. N.C. A&T shot just 28 percent in the second half.
 
Shaquille Stokes led the way with 19 points, scoring all but four of those points in the second half.  Vander Joaquim added 16 points and seven rebounds, while Zane Johnson added 13 points. Marc Hill led N.C. A&T with 17 points.
 
UH lead for the majority of the first half and built a nine-point lead on a thunderous Joaquim dunk midway through. The 'Bows shot 56 percent to the Aggies 36 percent and made it to the free throw line 17 times, but couldn't shake the Aggies due to 13 turnovers.
 
The Aggies meant business to start the second half and scored the first six points to seize the lead. NC A&T took a one-point lead on three occasions after the break, including a 43-42 lead with 11:25 left.
 
That was the last time UH trailed as Stokes buried a three-pointer on UH's next possession to re-seize the lead. The 'Bows led just 49-48 with 8:47 left but that's when the team put it in another gear, holding the Aggies without a field goal for nearly seven minutes and taking a 61-48 lead with three minutes remaining.
 
UH will next host the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, Dec. 22, 23 & 25 at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Bows will face Auburn in a first-round matchup on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 8:00 p.m.