HONOLULU – The University of Hawaii men's basketball team dropped a physical battle to CSU Bakersfield, 60-55, Friday night at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Warriors fell to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the Big West with their second straight loss.
 
In the first-ever Big West meeting between the squads, the Roadrunners (8-4, 4-1 Big West) used its defense and timely shooting to spoil UH's conference home debut. UH matched CSUB's physicality but a cold-shooting night and missed opportunities down the stretch ultimately doomed the 'Bows. UH shot just 33 percent on the night to allow CSUB to extend its win streak to four games.
 
Junior Madut led UH with his first career double-double (12 points and 10 rebounds). James Jean-Marie added 11 points, while Mate Colina provided a spark off the bench with 10 points and five rebounds before fouling out in the waning minutes.   
 
UH got off to a strong start to lead by as many as eight points early. But their lead evaporated in the final 10 minutes of the first half. UH didn't convert a field goal for more than five minutes late in the half and the Roadrunners went on a 19-6 run to take a 28-23 lead at the break. UH was 0-of-9 from beyond the arc in the first 20 minutes.
 
The 'Bows stayed within striking distance the entire second half and with some better long-range shooting (five three-pointers made) briefly took the lead. A Madut three-pointer with 6:43 left put the Rainbow Warriors up 49-47. But it was short-lived as the Runners scored seven of the next eight points to seize the lead back.
 
UH still had multiple opportunities late in the game but couldn't capitalize. UH trailed by just one, 56-55, with a little over a minute left but turned the ball over with a chance to take the lead. The 'Bows also missed a potential game-tying three-pointer with 20 seconds left.
 
UH lost despite a 37-34 advantage on the boards against the Runners, who entered the game as one of the top rebounding teams in the nation. It marked just the second time in nine years the 'Bows lost their Big West home opener.
 
The teams will square off again on Saturday to wrap up the two-game series. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.