Box Score

HONOLULU – On Christmas Day, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team received a gift with a career-high performance by guard Dwain Williams, however, it came in a 84-75 loss to Saint Mary's in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center. The host Rainbow Warriors (6-6) finished the inaugural tournament with a 1-2 record.

 

Williams scored 29 of his career-high 36 points in the second half and he became the first Rainbow Warrior to score 30 points in a game since Roderick Flemings scored 37 against Eastern Washington last season. Williams was 8-of-18 from the field, with four 3-pointers, and 16-of-18 from the free throw line.

 

Playing without its star Flemings, the 'Bows jumped out to an 18-16 lead by converting eight of its first 11 shots from the field. However the lead was short-lived as the Gaels (11-2) responded with a 12-0 run during a four and a half minute spurt for a double-digit lead.

 

That lead would hold the rest of the game despite a late first half surge by the 'Bows, which cut the deficit to 37-33 at the half. UH shot 58 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Gaels 13-9 but committed 10 costly turnovers that led to 17 SMC points.

 

In the second half, SMC pushed its lead to 55-40 with an 18-7 surge to start the period before Williams got hot. The junior scored 14 of the team's next 18 points to cut the deficit to nine with 3:36 left. The 'Bows got within six after Williams' fourth trey with 25 seconds left but could get no closer.

 

Petras Balocka added 12 points and nine rebounds while Hiram Thompson and Paul Campbell each had nine points.

 

All five Gaels starters scored in double figures led by Omar Samhan's 24 points and seven rebounds while Mickey McConnell added 17 points and six assists.

 

The 'Bows will next host Northwestern State, Monday, Dec. 28. Tip-off is 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.