HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team got off to a hot start and never looked back in a 98-46 win over Hawaii Hilo Wednesday at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. With their fifth straight win, the Rainbow Warriors improved to 9-2 for their best start since the 2015-16 season.
The 'Bows built a double-digit lead less than four minutes into the game, doubled-up the Vulcans by halftime (48-24) and continued to pour it on the second half to remain perfect in 14 all-time regular-season meetings between the teams.
The 52-point margin of victory was the third largest in school history and largest since a 57-point win over Redlands on January 28, 1972.
UH carved Hilo's zone defense, scoring from near and far. The 'Bows shot 51 percent from the field and drained a season-high 13 three-pointers. UH tallied 25 assists on 35 field goals. Meanwhile the 'Bows continued their elite play on defense, holding the Vulcans to just 33 percent shooting, including 2-of-15 on three pointers.
Harry Rouhliadeff led six Rainbow Warriors in double-digits with 16 points, while also tallying nine rebounds and a career-high five assists.
Dre Bullock added 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting.
Aaron Hunkin-Claytor went 4 for 5 from the field and finished with 11 points and five assists and no turnovers.
Hunter Erickson,
Isaac Finlinson and Gytis Nemeiksa also contributed 11 points each.
UH scored the first six points of the game and went awry on just one of its first eight attempts to jump all over the Vulcans. The 'Bows hit five of their first seven three-point attempts and built a 17-point lead less than eight minutes into the game. UH led by 24 at half and assisted on 16 of its 19 field goals.
UH continued to roll in the second half and Bullock poured in nine points in an 11-2 run that extended the lead to 39. The 'Bows' bench saw extensive court time down the stretch and
AJ Economou recorded the first two three-pointers of his UH career.
UH had a season-low six turnovers and out-scored the Vulcans 24-7 on turnovers and 26-5 on second-chance points.
The Rainbow Warriors will wrap up their 11-game homestand when it hosts UTEP on Saturday, Dec. 13. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Bankoh Arena. There are a variety of promotions for the evening, including an autograph session with the Rainbow Warrior football.
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