LIHU‘E — The Warriors used a 9-0 run in the final 90 seconds of the first half to create some separation, then opened the second half with a 14-2 run that gave them plenty of cushion in a 72-50 win
LIHU‘E — The Warriors used a 9-0 run in the final 90 seconds of the first half to create some separation, then opened the second half with a 14-2 run that gave them plenty of cushion in a 72-50 win over Hawai‘i Pacific, Saturday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
In a battle of teams that are just four miles from one another, Hawai‘i came away with the win behind the hot shooting of guard Zane Johnson, who finished with 18 points, raining down 6-of-9 from three-point land. Johnson also had nine rebounds as UH dominated on the glass, 45-28.
Hiram Thompson had 15 points, knocking down a pair from long distance.
Center Vander Joaquim had an efficient night, scoring 10 points on 4 for 4 shooting, while Douglas Kurtz took over the rebounding duties, swiping 12 boards on the night, six on the offensive glass. Kurtz also added eight points.
Bobby Miles had nine points and dished out a game-high six assists, while Joston Thomas had six points and six rebounds.
Trevor Wiseman and Bo Barnes had three points apiece.
Kyle Allen led the Sea Warriors, scoring 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-2 on 3-pointers.
Big man Jason Jackson scored 14 and had six rebounds, while LaBrent Chappel hit a pair of threes on his way to eight points.
Hawai‘i (6-2) overcame its struggles at the foul line, where it shot just 11 for 23 (48 percent) in the game. The Warriors were 26 for 57 (46 percent) from the field, including 9 for 21 (43 percent) from three-point range.
HPU had its problems from the floor, shooting just 19 for 64 (30 percent). Starters Marcus Lewis, Nick Frazier and Adrian den Dulk combined to shoot just 3-of-24 (13 percent) for eight points.
Hawai‘i was once again turnover prone, committing 16 for the game compared to 11 for HPU, but the Warriors outmuscled their opponents to notch their sixth home victory of the season.
UH will next take on Chicago State, heading over to Maui for a neighbor island visit at 7 p.m., Friday night in Lahaina.
It will then take part in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic from Dec. 22-25, taking on Florida State at 8 p.m. at the SSC on the opening day of the tournament.
