The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team secured an 89-82 victory over Long Beach State on Saturday afternoon at the LBS Federal Credit Union Pyramid. This win improved the Rainbow Warriors’ record to 16-5 overall and 8-3 in conference play, keeping them in second place in the Big West standings.
Hawai’i rebounded from a recent loss at UC Irvine with strong performances from Dre Bullock and Isaac Finlinson. The team used a significant 20-4 run spanning the first and second halves to turn a three-point deficit into a double-digit lead. Finlinson contributed a career-high 19 points, including four consecutive three-pointers that helped extend Hawai’i’s advantage to as much as 15 points.
Bullock scored a season-high 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds. He made key plays late in the game, including a baseline jumper with 27 seconds remaining after Long Beach State had narrowed the margin to one point. Bullock finished shooting 10-of-17 from the field and was perfect on six free throw attempts.
Long Beach State was led by Shaquil Bender and Petar Majstorovic, each scoring 22 points. Despite missing their top scorer Gavin Sykes, Bender opened strongly by making his first four three-point shots, helping Long Beach State take an early lead.
After trailing early, Hawai’i responded with two runs: a 13-2 surge brought them back into contention, and an eight-point streak to close the first half gave them a five-point halftime lead. The Rainbow Warriors maintained momentum after halftime with Finlinson’s outside shooting helping push their lead further.
Although Long Beach State out-rebounded Hawai’i by seven and collected 20 offensive boards for 25 second-chance points, Hawai’i shot 64 percent in the second half and made eight of fourteen three-pointers. The Rainbow Warriors also converted on fast break opportunities, outscoring Long Beach State 17-2 in that category.
Isaac Johnson added 14 points for Hawai’i while Hunter Erickson contributed eight assists for the third consecutive game along with his own 13 points.
The Rainbow Warriors will return home for their next matchup against UC San Diego on Saturday, February 7 at Bankoh Arena with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
