The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team delivered an impressive performance in their home opener, triumphing over East Texas A&M with a score of 100-74 at the Bankoh Arena in the Stan Sheriff Center. This victory improved their season record to 1-1, following a narrow one-point loss against Oregon earlier in the week.
Game Highlights of Men’s Basketball Victory
After a rocky start, conceding a three-pointer to East Texas A&M (1-2), the Rainbow Warriors quickly regained control of the match. They established a significant halftime lead of 21 points, bolstered by a remarkable number of free throw opportunities. The team set two new program records during this match: the most free throws made at 37 and attempts at 54, breaking a longstanding record that had endured for over 55 years.
Scoring Breakdown
This game marked the first time in eight years that UH reached the century mark in scoring, capped off by a free throw from Hunter Carter in the final moments. Notably, eleven out of twelve players contributed to the scoreboard, with seven players finishing in double figures:
- Hunter Erickson – 15 points
- Dre Bullock – 15 points
- Isaac Johnson – 13 points and 11 rebounds (double-double)
Erickson showcased a perfect shooting performance, going 5-of-5 from the floor and nailing all three of his three-point attempts. The team initially struggled, shooting only 3-of-15 from the field, but their free throw efficiency proved crucial. They were in the bonus just five minutes into the game, drawing a total of 22 fouls from East Texas A&M and converting 22 of 34 free throw attempts by halftime.
Second Half Dominance
In the second half, the Rainbow Warriors maintained their momentum, extending their advantage to 33 points. Overall, UH shot a solid 55% from the field and 43.8% on three-point attempts, including 7-of-16.
Upcoming Games
The Rainbow Warriors are set to continue their home campaign with a series of matches, including the 59th edition of the OUTRIGGER Rainbow Classic scheduled for November 12, 14, and 15. Their next challenge will be against Mississippi Valley State, taking place on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
