The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team secured a 89-68 victory over CSUN on Saturday night at Bankoh Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center. This win marks their ninth consecutive home victory and improves their overall record to 15-4, keeping them tied for first place in the Big West Conference with a 7-2 league record.
Hawai’i will next face UC Irvine, another Big West co-leader, in a nationally televised game scheduled for Thursday, January 29 in Irvine, California.
During the game against CSUN, Hawai’i struggled early from beyond the arc, missing 11 of their first 12 three-point attempts. However, they finished with 12 made three-pointers, including seven consecutive threes that shifted the momentum and helped build a double-digit lead. Defensively, Hawai’i limited CSUN to just 38 percent shooting from the field.
Isaac Johnson led the Rainbow Warriors with 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting and contributed six three-pointers alongside Gytis Nemeiksa, who scored 16 points. Dre Bullock added 13 points and four steals. Isaac Finlinson contributed 11 points and two three-pointers, while Hunter Erickson had 10 points and set a career-high with eight assists.
The first half was closely contested as both teams struggled offensively. Hawai’i managed to stay ahead by securing offensive rebounds and converting free throws. A late surge in the half included back-to-back threes by Finlinson and a buzzer-beater by Johnson to give Hawai’i a six-point halftime lead.
After halftime, Hawai’i extended its advantage with a decisive run that included back-to-back three-pointers by Johnson. The Rainbow Warriors shot 64 percent in the second half and out-rebounded CSUN by two boards. Bench production also favored Hawai’i significantly.
The upcoming matchup against UC Irvine follows an earlier close contest between the teams this month that ended in a one-point win for Hawai’i. The rematch will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU.
