Hawaii Men's Basketball Battles Past Norfolk State

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team used a strong second half to get past Norfolk State, 77-66, Monday night at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbows Warriors moved to 10-3—the program's best start since the 2004-05 season—with its eight win in its last nine contests.

The Rainbow Warriors looked out of sync early and trailed by one at the half,  but  came out firing on all cylinders after the break to win by double-digits. UH was led by the duo of Christian Standhardinger (29 points) and Garrett Nevels (21 points) who combined for 50 of the team's 77 points.

The Spartans (8-5) used its length and athleticism to control the pace in the first half and held a slim one-point lead, 28-27, at the break. NSU out-rebounded UH 18-13 in the first half and got eight second-chance points, while also holding the 'Bows without a field goal for a five-minute stretch.

UH, however, came out strong in the second half. The Rainbow Warriors went on a 16-6 run to start the half to take a lead it wouldn't relinquish. UH led by as many as 14 points pushing the ball in the open court, while forcing 13 Spartan turnovers in the second half. UH got 24 points off 19 NSU turnovers and exploded for 50 points after the break.

UH shot 57 percent and out-rebounded the Spartans 15-8 in the second half.

The Rainbow Warriors will wrap up their five-game homestand when they take on Omaha in their first game of the New Year on Friday, Jan. 3. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Box Score

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS