HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i's men's basketball team suffered one of its most disappointing performances in recent memory with a 71-45 loss to Illinois State on the opening night of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. The Rainbow Warriors dropped to 4-6 on the season with their third straight setback.
 
The loss relegated UH to the consolation bracket of the tournament as the Bows will next face Utah, Friday at 7:30 p.m. 
 
UH shot just 26 percent from the field and its 45 points was its lowest output since a 44-point game in a loss to Idaho in 2011. The result was the program's most lopsided loss in the eight year history of the tournament.
 
UH continued its trend of slow starts as the Redbirds (7-3) shot off to a 10-0 lead.  Illinois State led by as many as 12 points midway through the first half but UH  stayed competitive and trailed 33-25 at the half.
 
However, the Redbirds went on a 14-5 run to start the second half and built it's lead to a many as 33 points late in the game.
 
Gibson Johnson, Noah Allen, and Brocke Stepteau scored 10 points each to pace Hawai'I. The Redbirds, who shot 49 percent from the field and out-rebounded UH  36-27, were led by Deontae Hawkins' 16 points and six rebounds.
 
First Round Results
Tulsa 74, Stephen F. Austin 51
San Diego State 66, Southern Miss 51
San Francisco 89, Utah 86
Illinois State 71, Hawai'i 45
 
Dec. 23 Schedule
San Diego State vs. Tulsa, 11:30 a.m.
Southern Miss vs. Stephen F. Austin, 1:30 p.m.
Illinois State vs. San Francisco, 5:00 p.m.
Hawai'i vs. Utah, 7:30 p.m.
 
#HawaiiMBB