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VIDEO: Game Recap (courtesy of Ka Leo)

HONOLULU – In its biggest game of the year, the University of Hawai'i more than met the challenge, defeating league-leading Long Beach State 94-73 Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
 
 It was a wild game pitting two of the top three teams in the Big West as UH (14-9, 8-4 BWC) put together its finest half of the season, exploding for a 33-point lead at the break, before holding off a furious second half rally by the 49ers (13-9, 9-2 BWC).
 
With the win UH extended its win streak to four games, while handing the 49ers—  winners of eight straight—its first defeat in more than a month. The Rainbow Warriors also became a serious contender in the race for a league title, moving just 1.5 games behind LBSU.   
 
Five different Rainbow Warriors scored in double-digits led by Hauns Brereton's 21 points. Christian Standhardinger recorded his ninth double-double of the year and third in his last four games with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Vander Joaquim added 18 points, Brandon Spearman scored 16, while Brandon Jawato scored all 12 of his points in the decisive first-half.
 
Long Beach State took an early 5-2 lead, but after that it was all Rainbow Warriors. UH scored 14 unanswered points to stake a double-digit lead, a lead they would continue to build throughout the half. Behind some of its best defense of the year and crisp offensive execution, the 'Bows went on a rampage at the expense of the 49ers taking a huge 53-20 lead at halftime.
 
LBSU shot just 20 percent (5-of-20) in the first half while UH shot 58 percent, including seven three-pointers—three by Jawato. Jawato, Joaquim and Stanhardinger combined for 37 of the team's 53-first half points. 
 
The 49ers however wouldn't fold, using their pressure defense to get back into the game after the break. UH had just five turnovers in first half, but committed 11 turnovers in the first eight minutes of the second half as LBSU cut  the deficit to 14 points. But that would be as close as they would get as UH eventually wore down the 49ers to win by a comfortable margin.
 
The Rainbow Warriors shot 54 percent for the game and dominated the 49ers on the boards where they owend a 46-21 advantage . The team's combined to shoot 68 free throws with UH converting 23-of-31 from the line.
 
UH next hosts UC Irvine in another Big West tilt on Saturday, Feb. 9. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.