HONOLULU – The University of Hawaii men's basketball team took it to Mississippi Valley State on both ends of the court in coasting to a 76-51 victory Sunday at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Warriors improved to 6-4 overall with its second straight home win.
 
UH put together a strong defensive effort and shot better than 50 percent for the second straight game in a game they led virtually throughout. A 29-5 run bridging the first and second half put the game on ice for the Rainbow Warriors who won for the fifth time in six home games.
 
A week after a sub-par defensive performance against UH Hilo, percent, the 'Bows put the clamps down  on Mississippi Valley State. UH held the Delta Devils to 51 points, a season-low for a UH opponent. Mississippi Valley State (2-11) shot just 35 percent for the game, including 29 percent in the decisive first half.   
 
Offensively, UH shot 53 percent for the game and were again balanced with four Rainbow Warriors finishing in double-figures.  Drew Buggs led the Bows with a team-high 13 points and six assists. Brocke Stepteau and Zigmars Raimo each had 12 points, while Eddie Stansberry finished with 11. Jack Purchase contributed a career-high 13 rebounds.
 
The Delta Devils kept the game close early and trailed just 17-15 midway through the first half. But the 'Bows scored 11 straight points to kickstart a 22-5 run in the final eight minutes of the half. The run, punctuated by a Leland Green buzzer-beater, gave the team a comfortable 39-20 lead at the break. UH scored the first seven points of the second half to build a 26-point lead and never looked back.
 
Up next for the Rainbow Warriors is the 10th annual Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, Dec. 22, 23, and 25. The 'Bows open the tournament on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 12:00 p.m. against  UNLV.