Harris has career day against UH
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
HOUSTON — For the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team, the best part of watching Michael Harris' senior day was knowing it wouldn't have to deal with him anymore.
In one of the greatest games for a player in Rice basketball history, Harris became the school's career leader in scoring and rebounding. He did so in style, scoring 30 points and grabbing 24 rebounds to lead the Owls to an 80-61 victory over the Rainbow Warriors yesterday at Autry Court.
"He's a man among boys, there's no question about that," Hawai'i head coach Riley Wallace said. "He's so strong, and we ran everybody at him."
Harris, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound forward, entered the game needing 27 points and 17 rebounds to break the career records. He now has 1,910 points and 1,057 rebounds as a four-year starter.
"I haven't really heard a lot about any records until this week," Rice head coach Willis Wilson said. "And I think that's a reflection of Mike. He wants to win."
Harris added: "It's a great accomplishment, but I didn't do it by myself. I don't take the ball coast to coast every play and score buckets. Without them getting me the ball, I wouldn't be here."
Harris can also thank Hawai'i for supplying many of his numbers. In his past five games against the 'Bows, he is averaging 24.0 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.
"He's just a big, strong guy," said Hawai'i center Chris Botez, who defended Harris early in yesterday's game. "He puts himself in position and it's hard to move him."
Harris shot 11 of 14 from the field, and all of his field goals came from within 10 feet of the basket, including four dunks.
"I think I had an extra burst of energy in the second half," Harris said. "Every ball I saw I wanted to go grab it."
Aloha to Autry
Yesterday's game was Hawai'i's last scheduled appearance at Autry Court. Rice is leaving the Western Athletic Conference next season to join Conference USA.
"We'll miss coming here because it's been a good run with Rice in the league," Wallace said. "But it cuts down on our travel distance, so I guess I'll like that part of it better."
Potholes plentiful
Hawai'i completed the regular season with a road record of 2-8, including 1-8 against WAC opponents.
On this last trip, the 'Bows had to endure a long delay on the way to Tulsa, Okla., and then had to skip a full practice on Saturday because their luggage got lost on the way to Houston.
"We were a little bit flat and I think our guys were a little tired," Wallace said. "But our guys have to reach down and get it. Every team I've ever had, it's a long season with the travel."
Lee pays visit
Former Hawai'i point guard Logan Lee attended yesterday's game and chatted with some of the 'Bows after the game.
"I still stay in touch with some of the guys," he said. "I just wish I could have watched them win this one."
Lee was last season's starting point guard, but he transferred to Texas A&M last summer. He is redshirting this season.
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.
