HONOLULU – The University of Hawaii men's basketball team used a strong second-half surge to defeat Chaminade, 83-66, in an exhibition contest Wednesday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
 
Senior forward Zigmars Raimo and Samuta Avea accounted for nearly half of UH's points to lead the way. Raimo recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while shooting 8-of-11 from the field. Meanwhile, Avea added 18 points, including 13 in the decisive second half
 
Tyler Cartaino led the Silverswords with a game-high 24 points.
 
UH led for the majority of the game and never trailed in the second half, but it was a close game for the first 27 minutes. The biggest lead in the first half was just seven points by the Bows. There were eight lead changes and UH went into the locker room holding a slim 37-35 edge at the break. The 'Bows shot just 2-of-14 from behind the arc, but was an effective 14-of-22 inside the arc.
 
The 'Bows clung to a 52-51 lead with 13:35 left, but over the next three minutes UH went on a game-changing 12-2 run to build a double-digit they wouldn't relinquish. Justin Hemsley scored five straight points to cap the run and finished with nine points and six rebounds off the bench.
 
Junior point guard Drew Buggs also picked up the energy in the second half and posted 11 points and six assists. Dawson Caper used his superior size inside to grab a game-high 14 rebounds.  
 
UH dominated the glass and finished with a 53-31 advantage which included 22 offensive rebounds. UH out-scored Chaminade 27-3 on second-chance points.
 
The Rainbow Warriors now get ready for its regular-season opener a little more than a week away. UH will host Florida A&M on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic. Tipoff is 7 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.