The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team showcased an impressive performance by defeating Mississippi Valley State with a score of 88-56. This game marked the opening of the 59th OUTRIGGER Rainbow Classic, held at Bankoh Arena in the Stan Sheriff Center.
Domination from the Start
The Rainbow Warriors (2-1) quickly established control of the game, scoring the first nine points. They maintained momentum with a significant scoring run, particularly in the final eight minutes of the first half.
Key Scoring Runs
- Holding a narrow 21-18 lead with under eight minutes left in the first half, UH went on an 11-point run over the next two minutes.
- This surge was part of a commanding 28-5 run that concluded the half, allowing UH to lead 49-23 at halftime.
Strong Offensive Efforts
Throughout the first half, UH maintained an impressive shooting percentage of 58%, crediting 12 assists on 15 made field goals.
Sophomore guard Aaron Hunkin-Claytor achieved a notable career-high with seven assists in the half, finishing with 11 assists overall—a record for the team in the past five years.
Standout Players
- Harry Rouhliadeff, the senior captain, led the team with 22 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 3-of-4 from three-point range.
- Hunter Erickson matched his career-best, scoring 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Defensive Excellence
Defensively, the Rainbow Warriors were equally formidable. They restricted the Delta Devils (1-3) to a mere 34% shooting overall, plummeting to 24% in the crucial first half.
UH effectively contained Delta Devil guard Michael James, who entered the match averaging 24.7 points per game. James was limited to just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting.
Game Statistics
| Statistic | UH | MSVS |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal Percentage | 50% | 34% |
| Three-Point Percentage | 43.5% (10-of-23) | N/A |
| Rebounds | 45 | 24 |
Upcoming Games
The OUTRIGGER Rainbow Classic continues on November 14, 2025, as the Rainbow Warriors face off against Manhattan at 7:00 P.M. HT. The Jaspers won their previous game against Utah Tech, 79-75.
