WAC TOURNAMENT NOTEBOOK
Rice brings out the best in Rainbows' Martin
| • | Rainbow Warriors edge Rice to gain semifinal against Tulsa |
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
TULSA, Okla. — Forget the Golden Corral or Rib Crib.
As far as Phil Martin is concerned, he'll take Rice every day.
Martin continued to feast on Rice in leading Hawai'i to a 62-61 overtime win over the Owls last night in a quarterfinal of the Western Athletic Conference Tournament.
Martin, a 6-foot-8 junior forward, had team-highs of 21 points, 14 rebounds and five steals. He shot 8 of 16 from the field, and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line.
Martin has started every game this season, but his three best performances have come against Rice. In three games against the Owls, Martin averaged 19.0 points and 13.0 rebounds.
"I really don't know what it is," he said. "Just trying to play hard and do what the coaches expect out of me."
As good as he was on offense, Martin received more praise for his defensive effort from UH head coach Riley Wallace.
"Phil always plays good defense," Wallace said. "His quickness will get you those steals."
• Tulsa time again: For the third consecutive year, Hawai'i will play Tulsa in the WAC Tournament, although this time it won't be for the championship.
The 'Bows beat the Golden Hurricane in the championship game of each of the last two WAC Tournaments. The Tulsa players said they have added motivation.
"The Hawai'i coach had made a comment that he wanted to play us again when all their players were healthy," Tulsa guard Dante Swanson said. "I didn't like how that sounded too much."
Tulsa beat Hawai'i, 76-51, on Feb. 27. Center Haim Shimonovich sprained his ankle early in that game, and half the UH roster was suffering from flu-like symptoms.
"They were sick the last time; I don't think they are now," Tulsa head coach John Phillips said. "I just think it'll be a great, great ball game for a semifinal."
