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HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team got off to a fast start and never looked back in a 97-74 win over BYU-Hawaii in exhibition action Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.  
 
With 10 newcomers on this year's team, the 2016-17 edition made a solid first impression particularly on the offensive end where they shot 55 percent for the game and dished out 21 assists.
 
The Rainbow Warriors sported a balanced attack with six players finishing in double figures, led by sophomore Sheriff Drammeh's 19 points. Drammeh scored 14 of his points after the break and also dished out three assists in his debut at point guard.
 
UCLA transfer Noah Allen poured in 15 points and posted eight rebounds, while true freshman Leland Green added 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Aussie imports Matthew Owies (12 points) and Jack Purchase (11) also had solid showings, with Purchase tallying a team-high five assists. Gibson Johnson chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds. Ten of the 11 players who saw action for the Rainbow Warriors got into the scoring column.
 
UH got off to a torrid start, taking a double-digit lead five minutes into the game. That lead extended to 18 points a few minutes later as UH nailed 11 of its first 15 shots. BYUH shaved the lead to just seven points later in the half, but UH went to the break with a 44-30 lead, led behind Green and Allen, who combined for 23 first-half points.
 
The 'Bows didn't let up in the second half and used a 23-9 run during a five-minute span to put the game easily away. UH used its superior size to out-score the Seasiders an astounding 52-16 in the paint. The 'Bows also out-rebounded the Seasiders, 47-30, with freshman center Ido Flaisher leading the way with a game-high 11 boards.
 
Shad Watson led BYUH with a game-high 21 points, including going 6-of-11 from three-point range. In all, the Seasiders hoisted 41 three-points, hitting on 16.
 
The Rainbow Warriors will officially open the season on Friday, Nov. 11 when they take on Southern Illinois Edwardsville in the Outrigger Rainbow Classic. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.