Randy Bennett became the winningest coach in the history of Saint Mary's men's basketball last night, and he was quick to credit his current and former players for the record.

The current Gaels proved his point last night in an 89-65 victory over East Tennessee State in the first semifinal of the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic.

It was Bennett's 111th career victory at Saint Mary's, and lifted the Gaels into tonight's championship game.

"I'll be a lot more pumped up with the Rainbow Classic championship," he said.

Saint Mary's, which improved to 9-1, will face Ohio in the title game at 7:30 p.m. Ohio beat Louisiana-Lafayette, 74-68, in the second semifinal.

The semifinal games were played before a crowd of 896 at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Six Saint Mary's players scored in double-figures: Diamon Simpson and Carlin Hughes had 15, Lucas Walker 12, Patrick Mills and Yusef Smith scored 11, and Omar Samhan 10.

Simpson also grabbed 12 rebounds, and Mills had eight assists.

"We had a number of guys who played well tonight," Bennett said. "A good portion of that game was probably the best we played (this season)."

The Gaels shot a season-high 55.4 percent, and made 11 3-pointers.

"This is definitely the most balanced game (of the season)," Simpson said.

"We're capable of doing it every night."

Hughes went 5 of 9 from 3-point range, including a halfcourt shot just before halftime that stopped a 20-4 run by the Buccaneers.

"That was a big shot ... that was big for momentum," Bennett said.

ETSU cut a 20-point deficit to four late in the first half, but faded in the second half.

Courtney Pigram and Kevin Tiggs scored 16 each for the Bucs, who dropped to 5-6. ETSU will play Louisiana-Lafayette for third place today at 5 p.m.

OHIO 74, LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE 68

Leon Williams had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and made the go-ahead play with 1:02 remaining to lift the Bobcats into the championship game.

The Ragin' Cajuns erased a 15-point deficit in the second half and took a 68-67 lead with 2:12 remaining on a baseline jump shot by Randell Daigle.

However, ULL committed turnovers on its next two possessions and did not score the rest of the game.

Williams, a 6-8, 245-pound forward, tipped in his own missed shot with 1:02 remaining to put Ohio ahead 69-68. He was also fouled on the play and made the ensuing free throw to put the Bobcats up by two.

He later made two free throws in the closing seconds to secure the win.

Williams went 6 of 8 from the field and 11 of 13 on free throws.

Justin Orr added 20 points for Ohio, which improved to 8-3.

Chris Gradnigo scored 22 points to lead the Cajuns, who dropped to 3-7.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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