UCI Falters, Rainbow Warriors Triumph in Big West Tournament Title; UC Irvine's Standings Sank Below Zero!
HENDERSON, Nev. — Denying a quick-trigger offense and defying all the misfortune a Friday the 13th can offer, the Hawaii basketball team battled to a 78-63 victory over Cal State Fullerton to advance to today’s championship game of the Big West Tournament. A Hawaii-partisan crowd estimated at 2, 000 in Lee’s Family Forum saw the Rainbow Warriors conquer nearly all phases to earn a matchup against top-seeded UC Irvine.
The’Bows dominated the boards (53-26, including 16-6 off the offensive glass ), slowed an offense that averaged 14. 7 seconds per possession, and made their first 24 free throws (finishing 25-for-26 ). The’Bows also built their “wall ”—a collaborative defensive strategy that pressures the perimeters and narrows the driving lanes—with the intent of containing CSUF point guard Josh Ward.
In Thursday’s quarterfinals against UC Davis, Ward drew 11 fouls, making 17 of 19 free throws. Ward is a contortionist who can bend and lean into defenders. “Ward is a very talented player in transition, ” UH post Harry Rouhliadeff said.
“That was the scout on him. l was proud of how we were able to build our wall on him and take away his driving gaps. And also wall up to verticality, not giving him any easy finish, and taking (away ) shooting abilities from the (free-throw ) line.
I thought that was key. ” UH coach Eran Ganot said the’Bows worked on a high-handed posture in the post to alter shots without fouling. In the first half, Ward drew one foul.