HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team started 2018-19 strong with an 82-64 win over Portland in the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic Friday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
 
The Rainbow Warriors used a balanced attack and an outstanding second-half effort to cement its ninth season-opening win in the last 10 years. Five players finished in double-digits led by Zigmars Raimo who tied his career high with 17 points. Also in double figures were Brocke Stepteau (16), Jack Purchase (15), Eddie Stansberry (12) and Samuta Avea (10).
 
UH shot 55 percent in the second half, while holding the Pilots (1-1) to just 27 percent (4-of-15) in turning a two-point halftime lead into a comfortable 18-point win.
 
UH started the game off slow, missing seven of its first eight shots. The 'Bows eventually settled into the game and used a 14-3 run to build a double-digit lead late in the first half. Portland responded right back with a 10-0 run to even things up before the 'Bows took a slim 36-34 lead into the locker room.
 
UH seized control after the break, however, going on a 17-3 run to start the half. The 'Bows would maintain a double-digit lead throughout, leading by as many as 19 points.
 
UH was precise on offense, dishing out 22 assists on 31 field goals, while committing just nine turnovers. Drew Buggs had a game-high seven assists, while Purchase added five. UH also out-scored Portland 15-3 on second-chance points while limiting the Pilots to just three offensive rebounds for the game.
 
In the first game of the tournament North Texas cruised past Humboldt State, 93-48.
 
The Rainbow Warriors return to the court for Day 2 of the Rainbow Classic when it takes on Humboldt State on Saturday at 7 p.m. Portland and North Texas will precede the UH game at 4:30 p.m.