In a tightly contested matchup, the University of Hawai'i at Manoa edged out the University of California, Santa Barbara by a margin of three points, ultimately securing a 78-75 victory. The Gauchos and Rainbow Warriors played a closely matched game, with UC Santa Barbara holding a slight lead at the end of the first half, 32-30. However, Hawai'i Manoa was able to take control of the second half, outscoring the Gauchos 38-36.
The narrow margin of victory was a testament to the evenly matched teams, with Hawai'i Manoa's NET ranking of 105 just eight spots ahead of UC Santa Barbara's NET ranking of 137. The game's outcome was decided by a few crucial possessions, with Hawai'i Manoa's ability to capitalize on key opportunities ultimately proving decisive.
Dre Bullock's 21 points led the Hawai'i offense, as he shot 43.8% from the field and 12.5% from three-point range. He also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds and dished out one assist. Bullock's efficiency at the free throw line was a key factor in his overall production, as he converted 6 of 9 attempts.
Isaiah Kerr provided a scoring punch off the bench, netting 17 points on 45.5% shooting from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Kerr's ability to stretch the defense with his outside shooting was evident, as he made 5 of 5 free throw attempts to complement his perimeter scoring. Harry Rouhliadeff chipped in with 10 points and four rebounds, but his production was largely limited to inside scoring and free throw shooting.
Colin Smith's 19 points and 8 rebounds were a significant factor in the Gauchos' offense, but ultimately fell short of what was needed to secure a win. His efficiency from the field and free throw line was a bright spot, as he converted on 5 of his 8 field goal attempts and 8 of his 9 free throw attempts. However, his inability to contribute more in terms of assists limited the Gauchos' ability to create scoring opportunities.
Aidan Mahaney struggled to find his rhythm from the field, shooting just 35% from the floor and 25% from beyond the arc. His 7 turnovers also hindered the Gauchos' offense, and his 5 assists were not enough to make up for the missed opportunities. Despite his 16 points, Mahaney's performance was marked by inconsistency and a lack of overall impact on the game. Marvin McGhee IV, meanwhile, provided a strong presence in the paint, grabbing 11 rebounds and converting 4 of his 4 free throw attempts. However, his 12 points came on just 3 field goal attempts, and his 2 assists were not enough to help the Gauchos mount a comeback.
The supporting casts from both teams largely adhered to their season averages.
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Final
The pre-game consensus had Hawai'i edging UC Santa Barbara by 3.8 points, a margin that ultimately proved correct as the Rainbow Warriors secured a 3-point victory. The final score was a testament to the teams' respective strengths and weaknesses, which played out in the form of efficient shooting and rebounding prowess.
While both teams shot at respectable rates from the field, Hawai'i's 3-point shooting proved to be a decisive factor, as they converted at a significantly lower rate than their season average. Conversely, UC Santa Barbara's strong 3-point shooting helped keep them in the game, but ultimately, Hawai'i's superior defense and rebounding allowed them to secure the win. The Rainbow Warriors also managed to limit UC Santa Barbara's rebounding advantage, neutralizing a key area where the Gauchos had hoped to exploit their opponent.
The outcome of this contest has significant implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament aspirations. For Hawai'i, a victory in a Quad 3 game is a welcome boost to their resume, particularly given their mediocre NET ranking. With a 19-7 record, the Rainbow Warriors will likely be considered for a low-seeded at-large bid, potentially landing them a 12-seed in the tournament. Meanwhile, UC Santa Barbara's loss in a Quad 2 game is a setback, as they now own a losing record in those matchups. The Gauchos' NET ranking and 17-11 record may not be enough to secure a spot in the field, and this defeat only further jeopardizes their chances of earning a 15-seed or better. It's clear that Hawai'i's win has opened the door for the Rainbow Warriors, while UC Santa Barbara's loss has slammed it shut.