HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team shook off a sluggish start before catching fire in an 84-68 win over Cal Poly Friday night at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Warriors improved to 6-5 overall and 4-5 in the Big West with their second straight home win.
 
UH has had its struggles on offense this season, but not on this evening. UH shot a season-best 58 percent from the floor, including a scorching 64 percent after intermission. The 'Bows hot-shooting was also evident from three-point range were they were 9-of-19 on the evening. It all ended with UH finishing  with its highest-point total in a Big West game this year.
 
Justin Webster led four Rainbow Warriors in double figures 20 points. It was the third 20-point performance this year for the sophomore who went 6-of-7 from the floor with four three-pointers. Mate Colina did the damage in the paint and fell just one rebound short of a double-double (14 points, nine rebounds). Casdon Jardine added 14 points, while Junior Madut had 13 points off the bench.
 
Colby Rogers had a team-best 15 points for the Mustangs, (3-12, 1-8 Big West) who the 'Bows defeated for the sixth straight time in Honolulu.
 
Coming off a dramatic come-from-behind win over UC Irvine last Saturday, the Rainbow Warriors came out flat and trailed the Mustangs 15-12 more than midway through the first half. But UH turned on a switch and exploded for 29 points in the final eight minutes of the half to take a 41-31 lead into the locker room.  
 
UH maintained that double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The Mustangs showed grit but never got closer than 10 points as the 'Bows enjoyed one of its most comfortable wins of the year. The 'Bows doubled up the Mustangs on the boards (38-19) and enjoyed a 30-20 advantage in the paint. UH also did a good job of sharing the ball with 15 assists.  
 
The teams will meet again on Saturday to complete the two-game series. Tipoff is 7:00 p.m at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.