HONOLULU – The University of Hawaii men's basketball team got key performances by its reserves and some timely baskets down the stretch to defeat Adams State, 87-77, Monday night at the Stan Sheriff Center. UH improved to 4-1 in concluding its season-opening five-game homestand.
 
Junior forward Gibson Johnson led five Rainbow Warriors in double-digits with 19 points, tying his career high. Meanwhile, UH got 34 of its 87 points from the bench, including 13 points a piece from freshman Samuta Avea and sophomore Brandon Thomas. Leland Green also added 13 points, while Brocke Stepteau, who proved clutch again down the stretch, chipped in 12.
 
UH never trailed after the first 10 minutes of the first half. But Adams State (2-4) stayed in the game throughout, thanks in large part to 53 percent shooting from the floor. ASU senior center Mike Thomas led the Grizzlies with a game-high 29 points on 13-of-16 shooting, while also adding eight rebounds. 
 
After an opening seven minutes that saw 10 lead changes, UH built an eight-point lead at the half and a 14-point advantage with six minutes remaining in the game. Avea played a big part in expanding the lead, scoring all but two of his points in the second half.
 
The Grizzlies scratched together 11 unanswered points to close within 70-67 with 4:37 left. UH, however, snuffed any comeback hopes by scoring seven of the game's next nine points, including a pair of three-pointers by Stepteau and Green.
 
Despite allowing the Grizzlies to shoot a season-high by a UH opponent this year, the 'Bows recorded 10 steals and force 22 ASU turnovers. UH also got to the line 37 times, converting 24 free throws.
 
The Rainbow Warriors will next play their first road game of the season when they travel to Salt Lake City to face Utah of the Pac-12 Conference on Saturday, Dec. 2. Tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m. MT/2:00 HT.