UH falls to Rice, 70-68

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

FRESNO, Calif. — The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team was eliminated from the McCaffrey Western Athletic Conference Tournament today after a 70-68 loss to Rice in the quarterfinals.

Hawai'i had a chance to send the game into overtime, but a putback attempt by Phil Martin rattled out of the rim just before the final horn sounded.

An afternoon crowd of around 2,000 at the Save Mart Center watched the Rainbow Warriors fall to 19-11 with their third consecutive loss. Hawai'i's only chance at continuing the season would come from a spot in the NIT, which will be announced Sunday.

Rice improved to 22-9 and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament.

Michael Harris scored 29 points, including 18 in the decisive second half to lead the Owls. Rice erased a four-point halftime deficit early in the second half and then maintained control the rest of the way.

Michael Kuebler led the 'Bows with 15 points and five assists, Julian Sensley added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Jeff Blackett provided 13 points off the bench.

A change in the starting lineup provided a quick start for the 'Bows. With Jason Carter starting at point guard for the first time since November, Hawai'i made its first four shots of the game and raced to a 10-2 lead.

Rice responded with a 10-1 run to take a 12-11 lead, and the game stayed close the rest of the first half.

Sensley had 10 points and seven rebounds in the first half to help the 'Bows build a 39-35 lead at intermission.

Rice opened the second half with a 13-5 run to take a 48-44 lead. Harris had eight points during the surge.

The Owls built the lead to as many as five before Hawai'i tied it at 61 on a free throw by Jeff Blackett with 5:19 remaining. But Rice responded with a 6-0 run to take control for good at 67-61 with 2:13 remaining.