HONOLULU – The University of Hawaii men's basketball team displayed unmatched grit and toughness to pull off a 72-67 come-from-behind victory over Pacific on the final evening of the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center.
A night after falling just short in a comeback bid against South Dakota, the Rainbow Warriors (2-1) were able to get over the hump this time around, overcoming an eight-point deficit in the final four minutes.
Eddie Stansberry was the offensive spark-plug once again, tying his career-high with 26 points to lead the charge.
UH trailed 62-54, but exploded for 18 points in the final four minutes. UH started the surge with 10 unanswered points off a trio of three-pointers, capped by a Stanseberry four-point play that put UH up 64-62.
After Pacific tied the game, 64-64, UH went ahead for good on a
Zigmars Raimo layup with 44 seconds remaining. UH then came up with the defensive play of the game as
Mate Colina forced a UOP turnover on a trap and
Drew Buggs sprinted full court to retrieve the ball at end line and give UH possession.
The 'Bows proceeded to hit six straight clutch free throws in the final 20 seconds to seal the win. For the game, UH finished 16-of-17 from the line.
Buggs finished with 13 points and four assists. Amari McCray led three Tigers (2-2) in double-digits with 16 points.
UH finished runner-up in the Rainbow Classic with a 2-1 record. South Dakota, which held off Florida A&M, 85-82, in the first game of the day, claimed the tournament title with a 3-0 mark.
The Rainbow Warriors will be back in action on Friday, Nov. 15 when they face Portland State out of the Big Sky Conference. Tipoff is 7:00 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.
All Tournament
Samuta Avea, Hawai'i
Tyler Hagedorn, South Dakota
Justin Moore, Pacific
Tristan Simpson, South Dakota
Eddie Stansberry, Hawai'i
MOP: Stanley Umude, South Dakota
#HawaiiMBB
