San Diego State rallies past Rainbows, 61-58

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Predrag Savovic wasn't the only one making a comeback last night.

Hawai'i's Predrag Savovic scored 12 points in his first game back after serving a seven-game NCAA suspension for his past participation in professional games in Yugoslavia. San Diego State ruined his return with a 61-58 victory. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

A crowd of 4,911 at the Stan Sheriff Center watched the Aztecs rally from a nine-point second-half deficit to halt UH's 11-game home winning streak. The 'Bows fell to 6-2, with both of their losses to former Western Athletic Conference rivals (UH lost to Colorado State on Nov. 24).

"It was a combination of poor shooting and poor execution of the offense," UH head coach Riley Wallace said.

While the weather outside was frightful, so was the 'Bows' shooting performance. Hawai'i shot a season-low 31.5 percent from the field (17-of-54), including a dismal 1-of-12 from 3-point range.

And in sticking with the season of giving, the 'Bows committed 18 turnovers, which led to 16 Aztec points.

Haim Shimonovich scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds for UH, but he was virtually the only low-post presence, and Wallace said that proved costly because SDSU was then able to defend the 'Bows' outside shooters.

Carl English led the 'Bows with 14 points, but he also committed a team-high six turnovers.

"We were careless with the ball and we didn't run our offense the way we should have," English said. "The game was ours, we just didn't execute down the stretch."

Indeed, UH held the lead for the first 34 minutes of the game. But in the final six, the Aztecs out-scored the 'Bows 19-11.

"We were trying to do what we did the whole game — defend passionately and hang your hat on that," SDSU head coach Steve Fisher said of the game's closing minutes.

Savovic, playing his first game after a seven-game NCAA suspension for his past participation with professionals in Europe, scored 12 points, although he shot just 2-of-13 from the field.

"I haven't played in a long time and we as a team didn't do many things we are supposed to," Savovic said. "I would like to blame it on me, but I guess it's a team effort."

Savovic missed his first seven shots of the game, including three air balls. He made UH's only 3-pointer, but he also missed five.

"He's a winner and he wants to win so bad, he's going to push things," Wallace said.

Until the final six minutes, Hawai'i appeared to be in control of the game, despite its miscues.

After a 4-4 tie in the first three minutes of the game, the 'Bows went on an 11-0 surge to take control of the first half. Hawai'i built the lead to 21-8 before settling for a 26-19 advantage at halftime.

"We were fortunate to be down (seven) at halftime," Fisher said. "We said, 'let's make them pay for that fact that we're only down (seven).' "

The Aztecs' talented backcourt duo of Al Faux and Tony Bland led the charge, combining for 23 of SDSU's 42 second-half points. They were also responsible for harassing UH's guards into numerous mistakes in the second half.

"We were struggling on offense, but we knew if we stayed tough on defense, we could pull it out," Faux said. "As long as you play hard on defense, the offense will come."

The proof came during a 45-second stretch late in the game, when the Aztecs forced two turnovers and blocked a shot on UH's three possessions. By the end of the flurry, SDSU had turned a 47-44 deficit into a 51-47 lead.

Savovic's 3-pointer with 2:22 remaining cut the Aztec lead to 54-52, but Faux responded with a crucial 3 of his own.

"We took their heart right there," Faux said. "You could see it."

But SDSU's failure to sink free throws in the final minute made it exciting. The Aztecs made just two of six free throws in the final 42 seconds, and UH had a chance to send the game into overtime on its final possession.

Mike McIntyre's 3-pointer from the corner bounced off the rim as time expired.

Wallace wanted the final shot to go to Mindaugas Burneika, but after another near-turnover, McIntyre wound up with the ball.

"Mike had a good look," Wallace said. "We got the look we wanted, it just doesn't always come out the way you draw it up on paper."

Savovic may realize that more than any other player.

"I'm definitely disappointed in myself," he said. "But you learn."

Fisher said the Aztecs prepared for Savovic by "watching a ton of tape" on the 6-foot-6 senior guard.

"I think (UH) has to get used to him again," Fisher said. "Five weeks from now, him being in the lineup will make them a better team. Whether they were tonight or not, who knows?"

Faux, who scored a game-high 20 points, had his own answer.

"He's a good player, but we weren't concerned about him because we have better players," Faux said. "We have guys who pass better and play their roles better."

The Aztecs improved to 6-3, and their last two victories have been over two of the top teams in the WAC — Fresno State and Hawai'i.

UH is next scheduled to play in the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic. Hawai'i will face Portland on the opening night of the four-day tournament on Wednesday.