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RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team won its second straight road game with a thrilling 72-68 come-from-behind victory over UC Riverside Thursday night at the SRC Arena. With the win UH improved to 12-9 overall and moved into sole possession of third in the Big West standings with a 6-4 mark.
 
UH trailed for virtually the entire game, including an 11-point deficit with just 10 minutes left. But the Rainbow Warriors put together a 21-6 run to end the game to complete the season sweep of the Highlanders (5-16, 2-7 BWC).
 
Christian Standhardinger led UH with his second straight double-double, going for 23 points and 10 rebounds and sealed the game with a clutch free throw with six seconds remaining. Brandon Spearman poured in 15 points for the 'Bows, while Vander Joaquim added 10.
 
In the first meeting between the teams on Jan. 5 the Rainbow Warriors burnt the Highlanders with the three-ball—namely seven by freshman Brandon Jawato. The tables were turned this time as UCR hit six of its first eight three-point attempts to build a 14-point lead in the first half.
 
UCR took a 39-32 advantage into the locker room and continued to maintain their lead well into the second half. After Austin Quick hit the Highlander's ninth three-pointer of the game, UCR led 62-51 with less than 10 minutes remaining.
 
The Rainbow Warriors, however, clawed their way back and a pair of Joaquim free throws gave UH its first lead of the game, 69-67, at the 2:32 mark. An Isaac Fotu layup with 1:31 left extended the lead to four points. Trailing 71-68 in the closing second, UCR looked to tie the game but ultimately turned the ball over and when Standhardinger was subsequently fouled, his free throw with six seconds left effectively sealed the game for UH.
 
UCR shot 50 percent from the floor, drained 10 three-pointers, and out-rebounded UH 31-28.  But UH won the game by taking care of the ball with a season-low eight turnovers, while shooting a sizzling 58 percent in the second half.
 
UH will now conclude its four-game road stretch with a meeting versus Cal State Fullerton on Saturday, Feb. 2. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. PT (6:00 p.m. HT) at Titan Gym.