HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team gave a spirited effort but it wasn't enough in an 87-69 loss to No. 10 North Carolina  at the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. A season-high crowd of 8,948 watched the Rainbow Warriors (4-1) suffer their first loss of the season while also seeing a 10-game home win streak dating back to last season come to a close.
 
Gystis Nemeiksa led UH with 16 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Tanner Christensen also had a double-double, his first as a Rainbow Warrior, with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Akira Jacobs notched 13 points, while Marcus Greene added 10 points and a team-high four assists.
 
All-American guard R.J. Davis poured in 18 points for the Tar Heels who improved 3-1 to before heading to next week's Maui Invitational. Sporting one of the most explosive offenses in the country, UNC shot 52 percent from the field and used their elite athleticism to get to the line 34 times, where they converted on 26 free throws.

The 'Bows out-rebounded the Tar Heels 40-27, including 15 offensive rebounds, though UNC held a 44-26 advantage in points in the paint.

UH overcame a dreadful start to keep it competitive in the first half. UNC raced out to a 13-2 start a little more than six minutes into the game. The 'Bows missed 10 of their first 11 shots and fell behind by as many as 11 points. But Jacobs gave UH a spark scoring 10 points in his first nine minutes of action and Christensen tallied eight points and nine rebounds as the 'Bows cut the deficit to as little as three before heading into the locker room down 41-34.
 
UH got a dunk from Christensen to start the second half, but the Heels then reeled off 11  straight points. It was part of a 17-3 run that gave the Tar Heels a 58-39 lead. UNC wasn't threatened again as the 'Bows would get no closer than 12 points thereafter.


 
The Rainbow Warriors wrap up their season-opening six-game homestand with a matchup versus crosstown rival Hawaii Pacific on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.