The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team encountered a setback in their recent game against UC San Diego, concluding with a final score of 67-61. Following their third consecutive loss on the road, the Rainbow Warriors now hold an overall record of 10-9, with a 2-5 standing in the Big West conference.
This defeat marked UH’s inaugural loss to the Tritons in their seven all-time meetings, five of which occurred as Big West opponents. Conversely, UCSD, boasting a record of 12-7 overall and 6-1 in the conference, has continued to exhibit a robust performance and uphold an 8-1 home record this year.
In his first year as a starter, Juan Munoz spearheaded the offensive for the Rainbow Warriors, contributing 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the three-point range. Furthermore, this game signified a significant milestone for Munoz, as his performance propelled him past the 1,000 point mark in his collegiate career, having previously played for Longwood University.
Despite Munoz’s outstanding performance, the team encountered challenges with a season-high 20 turnovers, 14 of which occurred in the first half. This allowed the Tritons to capitalize and embark on a monumental 19-2 run, granting them a nine-point advantage at halftime.
Although UH momentarily took the lead in the second half, the Tritons surged ahead in the final 10 minutes, ultimately clinching the victory. Bryce Pope led the scoring for UC San Diego with 21 points, while JoVon McClanahan and Noel Coleman both contributed 11 points each.
Despite the Rainbow Warriors commencing the game with a strong showing, sinking six successful three-pointers, the momentum shifted towards the end of the first half as UCSD initiated a 19-2 run. Even after a formidable start in the second half, UH was unable to uphold their lead, allowing the Tritons to pull ahead for a decisive victory.
Looking towards the future, the team is poised to return home for upcoming games, beginning with a match against UC Santa Barbara, the preseason favourite in the Big West conference.
As they regroup and prepare to confront their next opponents, the Rainbow Warriors will strive to rebound and secure crucial triumphs on their home court at the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.