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VIDEO: Highlights and Post Game Comments


HONOLULU—The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team got a big performance from its man in the middle to defeat Houston Baptist, 73-60, and capture the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Rainbow Classic before a national television audience Monday night.
 
Making his first start of the season, senior center Vander Joaquim, posted 20 points and 10 rebounds to help UH capture its 13^th Classic title and second under head coach Gib Arnold. The championship game capped a dominant performance by the Rainbow Warriors (3-0) during the weekend with UH winning all three tournament games by double-digits.
 
Joaquim got plenty of support in the win. Christian Standhardinger also posted a double-double for UH with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Brandon Spearman (15) and Hauns Brereton (11) also finished in double-digit scoring. Jace Taviata dished out game-high eight assists.
 
Both teams struggled from the perimeter, combining to shoot just 5-of-28 from behind the arc. But UH held a decisive edge inside where the UH frontcourt of Joaquim, Standhardinger and Isaac Fotu combined for 43 points and 27 rebounds.
 
UH never trailed in the game, going up by as many as 18 points in the first half before taking a 38-23 advantage into the locker room. Joaquim, who earned tournament MVP honors, scored 16 of his points in that first half and UH held the Huskies (2-1)  to just 31 percent shooting.
 
The 'Bows were never threatened in the second half, building its lead to as many as 21 point in coasting to the win.
 
The game was also a part of ESPN's College Hoops Tipoff Marathon, the fifth straight year UH has participated in the event. Behind a vocal “Blackout” crowd, UH was able to win for the fourth time in the late-night event.  

UH returns to action on Friday, Nov. 16 when it hosts Illinois out of the Big Ten. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.
 
All-Tournament Team
Art Beranardi, Houston Baptist
Marcus Davis, Houston Baptist
Brandon Spearman, Hawai'i
Christian Standhardinger, Hawai'i
Hauns Brereton, Hawai'i
MVP: Vander Joaquim, Hawai'i