Cheerful fans follow game on TV

By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Robert Cooke, of 'Aina Haina, provides running commentary at the bar at Murphy's Bar & Grill. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Yesterday, the couple from Elmira, N.Y., encountered hopeful University of Hawai'i men's basketball fans watching the quarterfinal game of the National Invitation Tournament.

"It's very cheerful. People are hyped up because it's something that hasn't happened much," Donna Voorheis said. "We're from New York ... most of our teams win."

Unfortunately for Hawai'i fans, the Rainbow Warriors couldn't do the same, losing to Michigan, 88-73, and ending a postseason run that included an upset of No. 25 Utah State and the Big 12's Nebraska.

But the Voorheises still joined the hometown crowd in cheering for the Rainbows.

"We're cheering for Hawai'i because we're in Hawai'i," said Paul Voorheis, on a two-week stay during his fourth trip to the Islands.

Donna Voorheis added: "We're not really sports people. We clap when they clap."

UH basketball booster club member Bob Cooke, 55, of 'Aina Haina, still found much to be positive about the 21-win season.

"We gave it a great shot," he said. "We've got a lot of things to grow on."

Cooke gave a running commentary, shouting out praises and frustrations at the five televisions in the bar area.

When ESPN2 announcers said sophomore center Milos Zivanovic's basket "got the roll," to pull the Rainbow Warriors within 24-22, Cooke said, "got the roll is right."

Quietly enjoying the game were father and son Ben and Kenui Flores, who were confident in the Rainbows even though they trailed, 43-37, at the half.

"We'll win; we're playing better," Ben Flores, 53, of Honolulu, said at halftime.

After the game, he said, "They had a good season. They won most of the games they should have."

Kenui Flores, 33, of Kane'ohe, is a season ticket holder. He acknowledged that "definitely the better team won tonight. (The Rainbows) lacked some energy at the end."

Mina Humphreys, 56, of Kane'ohe, joined a group of eight dining at Murphy's.

"We support UH sports and decided if we were going to watch the game we were going to come and be with the crowd," she said.

The crowd, which numbered about 80, groaned at sophomore forward Julian Sensley's air ball on a 3-point buzzer-beater attempt at the half. It was almost silent when Michigan's lead reached 23 points with 1:38 to play.

Said Cooke: "You can always second guess things, but Hawai'i has no reason to hang their heads."

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.