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HONOLULU – In a battle for Big West Conference supremacy, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team brought its shooting touch to win and seize control of the league's top spot. The 'Bows tied a program record with 14 three pointers in a 74-52 rout of UC Irvine in a matchup of first-place teams on Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
 
Roderick Bobbitt had a game-high 23 points to lead the 'Bows (19-3, 8-1 BWC) who snapped a four-game skid to UCI and won the rematch of last season's Big West Tournament final. Bobbitt went 6-10 from three pointers which included 4-7 in a scorching first half. Aaron Valdes scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds and Sai Tummala nailed four three pointers to finish with 12 points.
 
Luke Nelson had 11 points to lead the Anteaters (18-7, 7-2 BWC) who suffered their worst loss of the season. Mamadou Ndiaye added 10 points and four rebounds.  
 
It was a good early start for both teams. Bobbitt opened up the scoring with a straightaway three then Valdes added to the lead with his own three from the corner. Nelson had the stroke early for UCI, hitting on a pair of shots to help UCI to an 11-9 lead.
 
The Anteaters would go cold from the floor, going nearly nine minutes without scoring a point. Meanwhile the 'Bows were heating up from three-point land as Bobbitt and Tummala both dialed long distance twice to give UH a 25-13 lead with 7:35 remaining in the half. The run continued as the 'Bows connected on seven straight three-pointers, closing the half on a 13-4 run to lead big at halftime.
 
UCI twice shaved the lead to 12 points early in the second half but the 'Bows went on a 10-4 run to lift the lead to 18 points. Bobbitt capped the spurt with a dunk off a fast break and the lead would swell to as many as 23 points before the night was done.
 
Mike Thomas posted seven points and seven rebounds with Bobbitt adding a game-high seven assists.
 
UH closes its week of home play on Saturday against Cal State Fullerton. Tip off at the Stan Sheriff Center is set for 7:00 p.m.