Basketball live blog: Hawaii vs. Hawaii Pacific
James Jean-Marie scored 21 points and Mate Colina added a career-high 17 to power UH to an 83-50 rout of HPU tonight in the Stan Sheriff Center.
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The ‘Bows used their inside game to construct a 30-25 lead at the intermission.
Mate Colina, the tallest player on the court at 7 feet, scored nine first-half points on 3-for-5 shooting. UH’s other post, James Jean-Marie contributed six. The ‘Bows scored 18 points in the paint, and built a 26-21 advantage in rebounds, including 10-4 on the offensive glass.
Jacob Foy scored the Sharks’ first seven points. David Rowlands led HPU with nine first-half points.
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With better ball movement, the Sharks go on a 10-2 run to take a 17-13 lead with 7:38 left in the first half. David Rowlands and Jacob Foy are connecting on long shots to thin the ‘Bows’ man-to-man defense.
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If it weren’t for Jocob Foy, HPU would not have any offense all. Foy has scored all five of their points. The Sharks are 2-for-12 and trail the ‘Bows, 9-5, at the second media timeout (11:42).
The ‘Bows also are struggling with their aim — 4-for-14, including zip on five 3-point attempts.
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Junior Madut’s fastbreak layup and ensuing free throw to complete the three-point play gives the ‘Bows the lead, 7-3, at the first media timeout.
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Hawaii’s starters:
Junior Madut
Justin Webster
Noel Coleman
Casdon Jardine
Mate Colina
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Tonight’s game is the first in the newly named SimpliFi Arena.
The new-look Rainbow Warriors will have five new starters, led by co-captains Justin Webster and Casdon Jardine.
HPU’s only double-digit scorer last season — Ronald Blain — has departed. Guard David Rowlands leads all HPU returnees with a 9.2 average.
There are no fans here, and no band … sort of. There are cardboard cutouts of band members on the end-line sections.
First game of the season, gotta shake off th cobwebs. Lot of new players, so need to learn to play with each other. They look more athletic this year. Colina even looks slimmer and running the floor and scoring with more confidence. Bayles is quick especially on defense.
Go Bows.
Jean-Marie looks pretty good down low.
Much better second half. I know only first game, and against NAIA HPU (no offense) but Jean-Marie had a strong showing, along with Colina. Just gotta find the right combination of players. Losing Samuta this season is a big loss, but I understand and respect his decision t opt out. De Silva didn’t even play tonight. Will be interesting to see how he will contribute this season. I think this maybe the most athletic team I’ve seen in a longtime here. I must say I am much more optimistic about this season. If they can continue to improve throughout the season it will make for a very exciting Big West Conference year…. as long as there can be games played. Maybe a “bubble” where all conference games can be played here?
da Silva is easing back after an injury.
It’s the first game. Hoping they can fill the gap between now and Dec. 27 with a couple of non-conference games. Realistically, probably won’t happen.
Congratulations to the Shark women”s victory over the Wahine.