HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team claimed the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic title with a heart-stopping 72-67 overtime win over Troy Monday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
 
UH (3-0) nearly saw its title hopes slip away after relinquishing a double-digit lead late in regulation, but regrouped in overtime to get past the Trojans (1-2). With the win, UH claimed its second Rainbow Classic title in the last three years.
 
Sheriff Drammeh led UH with 15 points off the bench. The junior—who hit four clutch free throws in overtime—also added five rebounds and five assists. Jack Purchase and Gibson Johnson had 12 points apiece, while Brocke Stepteau added 10.
 
The Trojans were led by Jordan Varnado who poured in 25 points, including a deep three-pointer with three seconds left that forced overtime and stunned the Stan Sheriff Center crowd. Varnado's jumper capped a 12-1 Trojan run at the end of regulation. UH had led by as many 15 points with 10 minutes left and by 11 points with five minutes left.
 
Despite squandering the lead, UH responded in the extra frame. Stepteau drilled a three-pointer at the 2:46 mark and the Bows never looked back, sealing the win with five free throws down the stretch.
 
UH got it done defensively, holding Troy to just 35 percent shooting for the game, including just 32 percent in the first half and 1-of-6 shooting in overtime. UH also out-rebounded Troy, 46-35.   
 
In the first game of the day, North Dakota defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 80-71.
 
The Rainbow Warriors will be back in action on Friday, Nov. 24 when they take on former conference foe Nevada. The game will tip at approximately 8 p.m. as part of a basketball tripleheader with the Rainbow Wahine.
 
All-Tournament Team
Geno Crandall, North Dakota
Gibson Johnson, Hawai'i
Martaveous McKnight, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Jack Purchase, Hawai'i
Jordon Varnado, Troy
MOP: Mike Thomas, Hawai'i