Hawaii Seeks Redemption After UCSD Loss Exposure
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are gearing up for a crucial rematch against the UC San Diego Tritons tonight. The game is set to tip-off at 7:05 PM at the Bankoh Arena located in the Stan Sheriff Center. Hawaii aims to rebound after suffering an 83-73 loss to the Tritons in their previous encounter last month.
Insights from Hawaii’s Training
In preparation for the game, Hawaii center Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson and former player Noah Allen engaged in a valuable one-on-one practice session. They discussed shooting techniques, including the specialty shot known as Noah’s arc. Johnson praised Allen, stating, “He’s such a good player and a really good guy. I learned a lot from him.” Allen, a standout from 2016-17, was named to the Big West first team during his time at UH.
Analyzing Previous Performance
Head coach Eran Ganot is aware of the vulnerabilities displayed in their last match against UC San Diego. He noted, “They did expose some things that have come up here and there.” Despite their physicality, the Rainbow Warriors were outmatched in certain aspects, such as rebounding and screening. The Tritons, who push the pace and have diverse scoring options, present a formidable challenge.
Rebounding Challenges
In their previous game, Hawaii had an average rebounding margin of plus-11.2 but was out-rebounded 33-29. The Tritons converted ten offensive rebounds into 13 second-chance points. This reflects Hawaii’s struggles, as they have now been out-rebounded in six of their last eight games.
- Current Defensive-Rebounding Percentage: 75.3% (39th nationally)
- Big West Game Rebounding Margin: +2.5
Coach Ganot acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, “There’s been some slippage there.” Emphasis in practice has shifted towards boxing out and securing rebounds, as shared by post player Harry Rouhliadeff. “It’s about revisiting our habits,” he remarked.
Player Contributions and Defense
Despite the absence of injured guard Aaron Hunkin-Claytor, players like Hunter Erickson and Isaiah Kerr have stepped up. Erickson has recorded 26 assists in Hunkin-Claytor’s absence, while Kerr is averaging 9.5 points per game. Hawaii also boasts the fourth-best 3-point defense in the nation, allowing only 27.4%. They rank 27th in scoring defense, averaging 66.8 points surrendered per game.
“Our foundation is to defend, rebound, and we’ve got to start taking care of the ball better,” Ganot stated, reiterating the importance of solidifying their performance.
UC San Diego’s Status
Under the guidance of first-year coach Clint Allard, UC San Diego currently holds a record of 16-8, with a Big West conference standing of 6-6. Their most recent game featured a comeback against Long Beach State, where Bol Dengdit delivered a stunning double-double performance, scoring 18 points and securing 12 rebounds. Allard emphasized the challenges of playing in Hawaii, noting the need for his team to present their best effort to compete effectively.
In their home games, the Rainbow Warriors have enjoyed considerable success, boasting a 13-1 record. Their only home loss came against Arizona State from the Big 12. As they prepare to face the Tritons, the support from their home crowd could be a crucial advantage.
Tonight’s matchup is not just a game; it’s Hawaii’s opportunity to seek redemption from their earlier loss and continue their pursuit within the competitive landscape of the Big West Conference.
