MANOA — The University of Hawai‘i men’s basketball team completed a critical Big West Conference sweep, defeating Long Beach State in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center.
The ‘Bows (10-8, 8-8) won two close contests, 78-76 Friday and 79-76 Saturday.
The wins were a collective team effort for Hawai‘i.
Bows’ guard Justin Webster led the team in scoring in the first game, with 16 points. JoVon McClanahan finished with 13, Justin Hemsley had 12 and Mate Colina finished with 10 points.
As a group, the team shot 53.8% from the field nd made 35% of their three-point baskets.
The Elbee (4-6, 5-9) shot 50% from the field in the first game. Even though their three-point percentage was higher, it wasn’t enough for Long Beach State to win.
Hawai‘i got plenty of offensive support in the second game as well.
James Jean-Marie finished the game with a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Webster finished with 14 points, Junior Madut had 13 and Jardine Casdon finished with 10.
With the victories, Hawai‘i put itself in sixth place inthe Mountain West Conference heading into the final two conference games of the season.
The ‘Bows will finish BWC regular-season play with back-to-back games against the No. 1 team in the conference, UC Davis, on the road at 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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Jason Blasco, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
