The men’s basketball team from the University of Hawai’i experienced a narrow 72-66 defeat to Nevada on Sunday at SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center, coming just short in the final minutes of the game.
The Rainbow Warriors (7-2) put up a strong fight following a challenging first half, during which Nevada took an eight-point lead at the 13:14 mark of the second half. Despite UH’s efforts to level the score, Nevada maintained their advantage and secured the victory.
Bernardo da Silva emerged as a key player for UH, achieving 17 points and 10 rebounds, recording his second double-double of the season. Noel Coleman also made a significant contribution with 17 points, while Matthue Cotton and Justin McKoy each added eight points.
Nevada (9-1) displayed a robust team performance, with five players scoring in double digits. Guard Jarod Lucas led Nevada with 16 points, followed by Kenan Blackshear with 12.
Despite the defeat, the ‘Bows led 37-36 at halftime, leading to an exhilarating and closely contested opening half. UH managed to maintain a slim advantage, despite only achieving a 36 percent success rate in the first half. The game witnessed a total of 10 lead changes, with UH in the lead for the majority of the first half.
The team encountered a formidable challenge at home, ultimately falling short against Nevada. UH is now focusing on the 2023 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, where they will defend their championship title.
In the upcoming tournament, UH will compete against Portland on Thursday, December 21. The team is dedicated to delivering a strong performance and securing a victory in their pursuit of another title.
Despite the arduous loss, the Rainbow Warriors are concentrated on regrouping and preparing for the upcoming tournament. With their team spirit and determination, they are poised to bounce back and deliver their best performance in the upcoming games. #HawaiiMBB