SAN DIEGO, Calif.  – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team made its first visit to UC San Diego a successful one with a 65-53 road victory Thursday night at the RIMAC Arena. The Rainbow Warriors improved to 13-8 overall with its second straight win.
 
The game with the Tritons (11-14)  didn't count toward the Big West standings as UCSD continues its transition to the Division I level. But it was an important game for UH in gaining added momentum heading into a huge showdown at UC Irvine on Saturday.
 
UH picked up the win with a balanced attack and some stingy defense. Four different Rainbow Warriors finished with double-figures, led by Junior Madut's 16 points. Meanwhile, the 'Bows held the Tritons to just 53 points – one off an opponent season-low –  and 35 percent shooting.
 
Noel Coleman registered his first career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while also adding a team-high four assists. The front court was also impactful with Bernardo da Silva and Kamaka Hepa each contributing 12 points and eight rebounds.
 
UH got off to a strong start, taking a 15-6 lead as the Tritons missed 10 of its first 11 shots. The 'Bows ultimately took a 30-20 lead at the break while holding UCSD to just 26 percent shooting in the half, including 2-of-10 from beyond the arc.
 
UH scored the first six points of the second half to take a commanding 16-point lead. UC San Diego cut into the lead numerous times over the next 16 minutes, but would get no close than eight points as UH would thwart the Tritons with timely shooting and defensive stops.
 
The Tritons finished just 35 percent from the floor, including 6-of-24 (25 percent) from three-point land. UH, which shot 40 percent for the game, held the advantage in nearly every statistical category. Among them, the 'Bows committed just eight turnovers, shot 13-of-14 from the free throw line and out-rebounded the Tritons, 38-36
 
The 'Bows now head up the road for a huge matchup with UC Irvine on Saturday, Feb. 19. Just a a game separates second-place Cal State Fullerton, third-place Hawai'i and fourth-place UC Irvine in the Big West standings. Tipoff between the 'Bows and Anteaters is 1:00 p.m. PT/11:00 a.m. HT.