HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team put together it most complete performance of the year to take down Big West rival UC Irvine, 72-56, Thursday night at the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. UH improved to 6-5 overall and moved to 2-0 on the Big West with the win.
 
Playing its first home game in three weeks, the Rainbow Warriors busted with a stellar effort on both ends of the court. UCI entered the game as one of the nation's top teams statistically in defense and rebounding. UH, however, continued its hot three-point shooting (11-of-25, 44 percent) and turned the ball over just eight times.
 
Defensively, the 'Bows held the Anteaters (6-5, 1-1 Big West) to just 32 percent shooting for the game and out-rebounded them 39-36.
 
UH was led by Bernardo da Silva, who in his second game back from injury finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Noel Coleman continued to burn the nets with 16 points of his own, going 4-of-7 on three-pointers. Jerome Desrosiers logged his second straight double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while JoVon McClanahan drilled four three-pointers and finished with 12 points and a game-high six assists.  
 
UH started out strong from the get-go. The 'Bows built its lead to as many as 10 points in the first half before taking a 34-26 lead into the locker room. UH particularly hurt UCI in transition during the first half, out-scoring the Anteaters, 12-2, in fast break points.
 
In the second half, the 'Bows continued to put their foot pedal and when McClanahan drained his fourth three-pointer of the game, UH built its lead to a whopping 24 points. The 'Bows enjoyed a turnover-free second half while clamping down on UCI, which shot just 28 percent (7-of-25) after the break.  
 
The 'Bows will next face UC San Diego on Saturday in the first-ever meeting between the programs.  Tipoff is 7:00 p.m. at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.