Josh Akognon shot his way into the record books, and shot down the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team in the process.

Akognon made seven 3-pointers and scored 41 points to lead Cal State Fullerton to a 90-76 victory over Hawai'i last night.

It was the most points scored by any player in the Stan Sheriff Center, which opened in 1994.

"That's probably one of the great performances that you'll see here at the Stan Sheriff Center because he put on a great shooting exhibition tonight," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said.

A crowd of 3,178 at the Sheriff Center watched the Rainbow Warriors fall to 0-2. Fullerton is 1-1.

Roderick Flemings led Hawai'i with 21 points. Petras Balocka added 14 points, Brandon Adams scored 13, and Bill Amis grabbed 11 rebounds for the 'Bows.

"We had some success, but it has to be sustained for 40 minutes," Nash said.

The game was close for the first 30 minutes, but the Titans pulled away in the final 10 minutes. It was especially close in the first half, when the score was tied nine times, including 37-37 at intermission.

The Titans went on a 10-3 run early in the second half to take a 49-44 lead with 15:22 remaining. They kept the lead the rest of the game, thanks in part to a two-three defensive zone that befuddled the 'Bows.

"I think we got a couple guys a little shook up out there not really ready to shoot," Flemings said. "We got guys who can shoot ... but really we were just passing the ball around, not attacking the zone."

Fullerton head coach Bob Burton said he switched to a zone defense in the second half because his big players were in foul trouble.

"It's the first time we really played it," Burton said. "It really slowed things down, and (Hawai'i) had a hard time making shots against it."

As proof, the 'Bows went 3 of 17 (17.6 percent) from 3-point range, including 1 of 11 in the decisive second half.

Meanwhile, Akognon was making shots against any type of Hawai'i defense.

"It's crazy, honestly," UH's Adams said of Akognon's performance. "I can't believe it. And especially on our home court and in a loss."

Fitting for a tournament called the Verizon Wireless Tip-Off Classic, Akognon went long-distance often and took advantage of all his minutes. The 6-foot senior guard shot 12 of 29 from the field, 7 of 18 from 3-point range, and 10 of 11 on free throws while playing the full 40 minutes.

"I really didn't know where the scoring was, I was just trying to do whatever it took to win," Akognon said.

Flemings said: "I think we just weren't pressuring him enough. He was catching the ball in rhythm and getting his shot off."

Burton described Akognon as "the best shooter I ever coached in 39 years."

"We don't win the game if he doesn't score that many points," Burton said. "Unfortunately, that's scary for us."

What's scary for the 'Bows is that they have now lost nine consecutive games, dating to last season.

Hawai'i has committed 18 turnovers in each of its losses this season.

"There's just a lot of stuff we have to figure out with the team," said Adams, who was one of the bright spots, shooting 6 of 8 from the field, including two highlight reel dunks.