HONOLULU – In its long-waited 2020-21 season opener, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team raced past Hawaii Pacific, 83-50, Friday night in Simplifi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. UH used a resounding second-half effort to win its season opener for the 11th time in the last 12 seasons.
 
Returning to the court for the first time in nine months, UH got off to a slow start but exploded in the second half to turn a five-point halftime edge into an easy 33-point win. Eight players made their debuts for the new-look Rainbow Warriors, highlighted by the double-double performance of senior post player James Jean-Marie (21 points, 11 rebounds).
 
Junior center Mate Colina was also a beast inside, setting a new career-high with 17 points while adding six rebounds. Sophomore guard Justin Webster chipped in 12 points and four steals and graduate transfer Casdon Jardine added 11 points in his first game as a Rainbow Warrior.
 
Both teams showed signs of rust early on, combining to miss 21 of their first 27 shots. UH ultimately took a 30-25 lead at the break, despite shooting just 30 percent from the floor, including 0-of-9 on three-pointers.
 
The 'Bows however turned it up after the break, hitting six of their first nine attempts from behind the arc in the second half, including three by Jardine. UH shot a sizzling 67 percent in the second half to out-score the Sharks, 53-25 after the break. Led by Jean-Marie and Colina, UH doubled-up the Sharks 44-22 inside the paint. Defensively, the 'Bows also forced 21 HPU turnovers and snagged 13 steals.
 
The Rainbow Warriors will next be in action on December 27 when it opens Big West play at home against Cal Poly.