The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team secured a decisive 92-55 victory over North Dakota on Friday at Bankoh Arena in the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Warriors improved their season record to 6-2, with six wins in their first seven home games. All but one of those victories have been by double-digit margins.
Hawai’i posted its best shooting performance of the season, converting 58 percent from the field and an impressive 76 percent on two-point attempts. Defensively, the team limited North Dakota to just 32 percent shooting, marking the lowest percentage allowed by Hawai’i this year.
Dre Bullock and Gytis Nemeiksa led five players scoring in double figures, each contributing 15 points on a combined 12-of-18 shooting. Isaac Johnson added 14 points and six rebounds while extending his school record for consecutive free throws made to 38 after finishing a perfect four-for-four from the line.
Isaiah Kerr returned from a two-game absence to provide significant support off the bench. He recorded a season-high 12 points along with three rebounds and two assists during key moments in the first half.
North Dakota entered as one of the nation’s top teams in steals and turnover margin, causing early problems for Hawai’i. The Rainbow Warriors committed three turnovers in their first four possessions and trailed by three points midway through the first half. However, Hawai’i adjusted its offense and responded with a strong defensive effort that sparked a pivotal 14-0 run, turning their deficit into a double-digit lead before halftime. By intermission, they led 44-30 after outscoring North Dakota 17-1 on fast break points.
In the second half, Hawai’i maintained control by scoring ten of the first eleven points and eventually expanded its lead to thirty with seven minutes remaining. The game concluded with a final 13-0 run for Hawai’i’s largest margin of victory this season.
The Rainbow Warriors will begin Big West Conference play next week at home against UC Davis on Thursday, December 4 at Bankoh Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
