Relying on quarterback Greg Alexander's multiple skills and the relentless defense, Hawai'i earned a 24-10 victory over Washington State tonight and a berth in the Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl.

By improving to 7-5, the Warriors clinched a winning regular season, their minimum requirement for receiving an invitation to the postseason.

It was the Warriors' third victory in a row, and it completed a climb from a 1-2 start in Greg McMackin's first year as UH head coach.

The calendar year started with the Warriors' appearance in the Sugar Bowl. This postseason berth might be as sweet considering the Warriors' half-season struggle to build an offense. All four receivers and record-setting quarterback Colt Brennan completed their eligibility with the Sugar Bowl.

But tonight Alexander was again masterful, keeping the Cougars (2-11) off-balance with his scrambling and accurate throws.

He threw two scoring passes, including a 44-yarder to Michael Washington to make it 24-10 with 3:45 to play in the third quarter.

Alexander was intercepted with 3:39 remaining, his first pick since the opening game against Florida.

Despite being without two top playmakers — slotback/running back Kealoha Pilares and defensive back Ryan Mouton — the Warriors dominated a misty filled first half to take a 17-3.

With Alexander finding an easy rhythm in the four-wide offense, the Warriors scored touchdowns on their first two possessions.

Alexander, who averages nearly a broken tackle every rush, repeatedly escaped pressure for scrambles or to launch passes.

Making his fourth consecutive start, Alexander drove the Warriors to the Cougars' 19. From there, he threw to wideout Greg Salas on a post route. Salas caught the pass at the 10, raced to the 1, and bowled over cornerback Romeo Pellum at the 1 to get into the end zone.

The drive, which started at the UH 3, was the longest for the Warriors this season.

The Warriors made it 14-0 when they drove from their 39 to the Cougars' 2. With UH sporting a new power formation — left tackle Aaron Kia was aligned as tight end on the left side — the Warriors were able to spread the Cougars' defense. Daniel Libre, who is playing with an injured midsection, took the handoff and raced up the middle untouched for the touchdown.

The Warriors failed to extend their lead further when Dan Kelly's field-goal attempt from 27 yards sailed wide.

The Cougars closed to 14-3 on Nico Grasu's 26-yard field goal with 5:23 remaining in the first half.

The Cougars regained possession after forcing the Warriors to punt.

But on second down, from their 4, quarterback Kevin Lopina mishandled the snap. UH defensive tackle Josh Leonard recovered at the Washington State 4.

The Warriors failed to advance the ball, settling for Kelly's 22-yard field goal with 31 seconds to play.

The Cougars have struggled this season, particularly in their passing game. Lopina, their third starting quarterback, entered with 11 interceptions and zero touchdown throws.

Their best receiver, Brandon Gibson, has been hurt by the instability at quarterback. In the first half, despite often facing single coverage, Gibson managed one catch for 18 yards.

In the first half, Lopina was 2 of 6 for 23 yards. He was sacked three times, and forced to scramble on nearly every pass play.

Alexander completed 12 of 18 passes for 160 first-half yards. He has not been intercepted since the opening game against Florida.