HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team fell behind early in a 77-53 loss to No. 20 UNLV, in the semifinals of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic Wednesday night at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Warriors (6-5) saw their four-game win streak snapped and will now play Saint Mary's on Christmas Day.

 

The Runnin' Rebels (12-1) held the 'Bows scoreless through the first six minutes of the game and extended its lead to double-digits, at 13-2, moments later. The UNLV barrage continued with a 9-0 run and Hawai'i found themselves trailing 24-7 with 8:32 left in the half.

 

The 'Bows struggled to 24 percent shooting and 11 first half turnovers, the Rebels extended their lead to as much as 25 and closed out the half with a 10-3 spurt for a 44-21 halftime lead. UNLV dominated every phase of the first half, holding a 24-14 advantage and converting 6-of-12 from 3-point range.

 

While the 'Bows picked up the intensity in the second half, they could get no closer than 17.

 

Guard Dwain Williams came off the bench to lead UH with a season-high 20 points. Hiram Thompson added nine points while Roderick Flemings added eight points and 10 rebounds.

 

The 'Bows shot a season-low 34.1 percent from the field, including 30.8 percent from 3-point range.

 

All 11 Rebels who saw action scored led by Derrick Jasper's 14 points.

 

UNLV advances to the championship game of the inaugural tournament where they will meet USC at 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Day. The Trojans were 60-49 winners over Saint Mary's in the day's other semifinal.

 

Western Michigan 75, Northeastern 60

USC 60, Saint Mary's 49

UNLV 77, Hawai'i 53

College of Charleston vs. SMU