Iolani rolled past Punahou, 71-52, in this year's Alegre Invitational three weeks ago.

Last night's game was not quite as close as the final score indicated, as the Buffanblu (10-6) scored their last two baskets in the closing seconds and never got within 10 in the second half. But a big factor was the absence of Punahou's 6-foot-6 sophomore, Spencer McLachlin, who was attending his brother Parker's wedding.

"We missed having him, because he really played well earlier this week and tonight we couldn't find that second scorer," Buffanblu coach Greg Tacon said. "But obviously, he had to be at the wedding and our whole team wishes Parker nothing but the best."

After a tight first period, the Raiders opened a 25-15 halftime lead boosted by point guard Barry Kang's six points. Kang, a 5-11 junior, finished with a career-high 14 points and no turnovers.

"(The Buffanblu) were switching on defense so our shooters were covered, but that left the penetration open," Kang said.

Iolani opened the second half with an 8-0 run, as Punahou suffered through a seven-minute scoring drought since the end of the second quarter.

The Buffanblu's only field goal of the third period was Miah Ostrowski's reverse with 1:41 remaining, which made the score 33-18.

The Raiders stretched the lead to 42-23 on Kawika Shoji's 3-pointer with 2:40 left in the game.

Ostrowski finished with 13 points, but no other Punahou player had more than seven.

"Not having Spencer made a big difference, because he causes matchup problems for us," Iolani coach Mark Mugiishi said. "But the whole week, our defense was outstanding. I was concerned because our offense was a little out of sync, but this team really gets after it and plays great defense."

Vinny Nip added 13 points for the Raiders, while high-scoring guard Kyle Pape was limited to three points and one field goal.

"We have a lot of options on this team," Kang said.

Tacon agreed.

"As in the past, Iolani has waves of kids," he said. "They spread the wealth well."