Box Score | Box Score (html)

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball fell victim to a surging Miami Hurricane squad, 73-58, in the first round of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic Saturday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
 
After the teams played nearly even in the first half, Miami asserted itself in the second half by transforming a one-point halftime lead to as many as 25 points in the second half. 
Win its seventh straight win, Miami advanced to Sunday's semifinals vs. nationally ranked Arizona.  UH, meanwhile, will face East Tennessee State in a consolation match-up at 4:00 p.m.
 
Durand Scott led Miami's second-half outburst, scoring a game-high 20 points. Scott hit four of the Hurricane's five three-pointers in the second half that helped them separate from the Rainbow Warriors. Julian Gamble added a double-double for the Canes (16 points, 13 rebounds).
 
Brandon Jawato led UH with his second straight game in double-figures, finishing with 12 points.
 
The first half was a defensive slugfest as the teams combined for 43 total points with Miami holding a narrow 22-21 lead at the break. Miami shot just 34 percent from the floor, while UH just 29 percent by the break.
 
The Hurricanes, however, went on a 14-3 run in the first five minutes of the second half to build its first double-digit lead of the game. Miami never looked back after that, finishing with 51 second-half points while shooting a sizzling 63 percent from the floor after the break. UH also shot considerably better (52 percent) after the break, but couldn't keep up with Scott and company.
 
This marks the third straight year that the 'Bows have lost its opening round matchup in the Classic. UH went on to win its next pair of games in both the 2010 and '11 tournament.
 
 
First Round Results
Indiana State 87, Mississippi 85 (OT)
San Diego State 80, San Francisco 58
Arizona 73, East Tennessee State 53
Miami 73,  Hawai'i 58
  
Dec. 23 Schedule
Consolation: San Francisco vs. Ole Miss, 10:00 a.m.
Semifinal: San Diego State vs. Indiana State, 12:00 p.m.
Consolation: Hawai'i vs. East Tennessee State, 4:00 p.m.
Semifinal: Miami vs. Arizona 6:30 p.m.