UPDATED: Warriors hold off North Dakota, 71-66
Fighting off flashbacks from Friday and another furious late rally, the Hawai’i men’s basketball team held on to defeat North Dakota, 71-66, Tuesday night in non-conference action at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Brandon Spearman scored a game-high 19 points — including both ends of a 1-and-1 with 5.3 seconds remaining — and Isaac Fotu added 17 points and eight rebounds to help the Warriors improve to 4-1. Christian Standhardinger contributed 11 points and five rebounds and Vander Joaquim finished with 10 points and four rebounds for UH, which will now have a nine-day break before playing at No. 18-ranked UNLV on December 1. North Dakota fell to 1-3.
“I had a little flashbacks from Friday night, but I had no worries this time,” said Spearman, referring to a heart-breaking 78-77 overtime loss to Illinois just four days prior. “I knew we could capitalize on their mistakes and finish hard this time.”
The Warriors started hot and led by as much as 33-10 after Standhardinger’s 3-pointer with 6:02 left in the first half, but North Dakota scratched its way back late in the second half and eventually closed it to 66-63 on Aaron Anderson’s 22-footer with 2:52 left in the game. Hauns Brereton then answered by swishing a 3-pointer from the right wing at the 2:09 mark to push the lead to 69-63, but North Dakota again cut it to one possession after Josh Schuler’s three-point play with 1:06 showing on the clock, and had a chance to tie it after a Hawai’i miss.
UND guard Jamal Webb then stepped on the baseline with 15.5 ticks remaining, but the Warriors were whistled for a lane violation soon afterward as Spearman attempted the front end of a 1-and-1, giving North Dakota another chance to tie it.
Anderson then airballed a 25-foot fadaway with seven seconds left, and Spearman knocked down both ends of the next 1-and-1 to seal the victory with 5.3 seconds remaining.
“I love to be in that situation, to finish it off,” Spearman said.
Early in the game, it looked as if that situation would never materialize.
UH jumped out to a 7-0 lead, and a turnaround jumper by Joaquim with 14:33 left in the first half started a 20-1 run capped by Spearman’s layup that made it 29-7 with 7:04 remaining. A minute later, Standhardinger drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key to push the lead to 33-10.
Another 3-pointer by Standhardinger later made it 42-22 before Josh Schuler nailed a 3 at the buzzer to close it to 42-27.
“I’m really pleased at how we played in the first half, there was a lot of positive emotion,” Warriors coach Gib Arnold said. “The guys were chomping at the bit to play again, and we did a lot of good things on both ends of the floor. That might be as good as we’ve played all year.”
Hawai’i still led, 58-44, after Standhardinger’s basket off a spin move with 8:56 left, but back-to-back 3-pointers by Webb and Anderson closed it to 58-50. Standhardinger then made one of two free throws to push the lead to 59-50, but Schuler dropped in a 12-foot banker and Anderson hit a pair of foul shots to cut it to 59-54 with 6:48 remaining.
Spearman nailed a 3-pointer 12 seconds later to stretch the lead to 62-54, but Anderson later rained in another 3 to cut it to 64-59 with 4:42 left, and he hit his fifth 3-pointer of the game (on eight attempts) with 2:52 remaining to make it 66-63.
That’s when Brereton — 1 for 7 from the field at that point, including 0 for 4 from beyond the arc — finally found the range after Spearman spotted him open on the right wing. When the ball fell through the net, Brereton raised his arms as if a long-lost package had suddenly arrived.
“That was a relief bucket for him,” Spearman said. “I had faith it was going to go in, and we definitely needed that one.”
It was not the dagger, however, as Schuler — a 6-foot-3 guard — answered with a jumper from just inside the left elbow while being fouled. He swished the free throw to make it 69-66 with 1:06 left. Tavita then missed a 3-point attempt on Hawai’i’s ensuing possession, giving North Dakota a chance to tie.
“We didn’t do much of anything right in the second half,” said Fotu, a 6-8 freshman forward. “We didn’t want to repeat what happened against Illinois … we just kept fighting.”
History almost did repeat itself, as Webb drove deep from the right side toward the basket and made a bounce pass to the left corner — the same left corner where Illinois’ DJ Richardson sank his game-winner on Friday. But Webb’s right foot stepped on the line and Spearman was fouled shortly after the ensuing inbounds pass.
Spearman’s front-end 1-and-1 shot was discounted, however, as Standhardinger was whistled for stepping into the lane early, giving UND possession with 14 seconds remaining.
Anderson then launched his deep 3 under heavy pressure from the left wing, but it did not draw iron and Spearman grabbed the rebound and was immediately fouled.
He knocked down both ends of the 1-and-1 this time, and North Dakota missed a meaningless 3-pointer at the buzzer.
“Give North Dakota credit,” Arnold said. “Watching them on film, I was impressed with how they run their offense, it’s a tough offense to defend.”
Arnold said for the first time this season, fatigue appeared to be a factor for the Warriors as well.
“We looked a little tired in the second half, we seemed to be a step slow,” Arnold said. “We’ve been going really hard at practice, we haven’t taken a minute off. So I’m glad we’ve got the next nine days off, I think we need a physical and emotional break.”
Senior point guard Jace Tavita finished with six points and six assists, and junior center Davis Rozitis contributed five points, three blocks and an alley-oop dunk in 10 minutes off the bench.
All 11 Hawai’i players in uniform saw action. Redshirt freshman Brandon Jawato was not in uniform due to an injury.
Anderson and Schuler each had 17 points to lead North Dakota and Brandon Brekke added 10 points.
(Game photos courtesy Charles Simmons)
The team looked lost in the 2nd half and we all glad they came out with the WIN!
A lot of player’s played in the 1st half
What happen to Jawato? is he injured yet again? he wasn’t suited if my eyes remember correctly
I loved the way Fotu was banging down low tonight, he is a beast when he plays aggressive. On the other hand Standhardinger needs to play more in control as he sometimes plays too aggressive and forces bad shots here and there. Vander is unstoppable no matter who he’s playing against. Spearman is the clutch guy from what I’ve seen he really is the X factor. I love how Rozitis came in and used his height advantage, that dunk was a nice highlight too. It seems second half play just lacks the first half intensity. Defensively the guards are getting beat off the dribble too easily. Too many drives to the basket and giving up easy buckets. Don’t know if its fatigue butCoach could utilize his bench more with fresher legs. Where is Garret Jefferson in these situations? I think for as young as this team is they will figure it out and once its all put together they will dominate and put teams away. Fotu should be considered for newcomer of the year if he continues to play like he did last night.
I really liked harpers footwork and defenseive intensity off the bench…He should get more playing time..good win Warriors!
defensive…
Spearman was a pure stud again last night. Fotu is 6th man of the year quality. Rozitis gave some quality minutes, and seems to understand his role. Other than that…
-Tavita nearly had his redemption game, but I do have one complaint in his defending on slower, smaller guards that somehow manage to have no problems getting open.
-Standhardinger also played well but just needs a little more focus and he’ll be good to go. Also seemed like a no-show under the rim on both ends of the floor most of the time.
-Brereton is starting to disappear again, something I feared would happen once other teammates started lighting it up. I know he can light it up, and he should. In a lesser team, I have no doubts he would average 20+, easily.
Other than that, it was nice seeing everyone get playing time, however I do believe it kinda messed with the flow a bit, which may have led to that 20+ pt lead vanishing. Aside from Fotu and Rozitis, it didn’t seem like anyone really cared to crash the boards. Getting outrebounded by a smaller, slower team is not acceptable.
Lastly, I want to complain about the reffing…ABSOLUTELY ATROCIOUS!!! Every time a UH player drove the basket, “charge!”. Every time a UND player drove, “block!”. Shenanigans?? I think so. The foul disparity going into the closing minutes was far too great (20 to 8, are you seroius??) not to be. One sided for sure…well, at least the ref’s made out well on the night.
True dat bruddah Isaac,
Plenty phantom calls and terrible whistles blowing like crazy in the second half. Jace and Hauns aren’t fleet footed guards and get beat off the dribble more than you’d like. They just gotta get there feet moving and stop thinking that there length can make up for their lack of speed. I think Jefferson needs to get in there more defensively to spell Jace and Hauns more, seems they start to run out of gas in the second half and don’t have the legs to finish strong defensively. Fotu is the man though, once Vander graduates, Fotu should be the focus in the paint. When he gets aggresive offensively and bangs, he has the moves and muscle to get his points in the paint. I think he could win the newcomer of the year award if he continues to muscle his way into the stat sheet. Possibly could make All Big West team at seasons end too.
Too close for comfort. Game should not have been close, but the team got sloppy and then shots weren’t falling. Hauns in a slump and appears to be rushing his shots. And what’s this, Vander jacking up 3 points early in the shot clock. Not smart. F/T 60%. Not good. The good. 10 TO. Tavita was efficient. Fotu , Spearman. Jawato seems to be the forgotten man. He’s a shooter. Give him some spot minutes. Harper hustled. Pavlovic took couple shots, but missed. Experience still good. Clair, 2 assists no TO and played within himself. Getting better. Standhardinger did not have a good game, but still produced some points with his effort. Overall grade for the team, C+.
…just win baby.
Jawato reportedly has “minor” leg injury — should be back ‘soon’…
IF Fatigue (Five Games in 11 days and Full Team Rotation Not Available) as Coach Suspects, then:
The Next Couple of Weeks
Getting in The Rest of The Offenses and Defenses (Better Now With Vander) should help:
allow More First Half and Prime Time Rest & Substitution (Options) and Help:
– 1 Late Game Overall (Team) Free-Throw Shooting;
– 2 Second Half Defensive Intensity
– 3 Overall Team O & D Execution
(Still Gotta Prove Everyone “Can Perform” (Free-Throws, Offensive Execution)
But All That “Upgrading and Improvement” should yield a Pretty Darn Good Team…
This is One of Those Years where Improvement Seems the Most Likely of all Options…
REAL GOOD…
I agree with the officiating. It seems we get homered on the mainland and we get homered at home by the mainland refs!No can win!!
Need a play called for Hauns. He seems to have to create all his own shots. Thus being a little rushed. Looks like there are plays called for Vander and Christian etc. Young team is doing great. Great spirit of fun and excitement surrounds this team. Potential for some big things to happen are there for this team. Keep up the teamwork and fun! Good Job Warriors!
Fotu and Brandon Spearman played hard. 17 and 8 in twenty-three minutes for Fotu.
Time for the team to rest up (especially for Vander) and make improvements.
DK: I agree with you and other fans..Spearman , the guy is a warrior, takes big time shots..hit 2 clutch FT’s..Isaac, Coach asked him to get agressive offensively(when is the last time, a major talent Big has to be encouraged to shoot? Fotu pass first PF..high, high ceiling)…
In defense of Vander..although that last 3 pt attempt, at that point of game was ill advised..I think Vander is gearing up for Pro ball , maybe, USA(tough) or Overseas Euro..he can shoot out to 3,, he has a nice outside touch for a big..
As for stepping, up..remember, Vander had the MCL tear..if ever you had , even minor injuries to feet, knees, legs..very bothersome, as well as throws conditioning off..Vander, has time now , in next 10 days to rest, rehab, get knee stronger, and run..to get cardio , BB shape…Really sad that Vander had that freakish accident before Season..if he was 100%, Vander would be the 2 or 3 block shot a game guy, scooping up offensive and defensive rebounds..altering shots..and a lot of flushes…
That being said, I know the players view these posts/comments..Shout out to Brandon Spearman, Isaac and Vander..not being 100% , or in total shape, will take awhile..and still averaging about 17 pts a game and 7 boards. He gets back into shape, and MCL heals well, come March..he will be ready…Glad to have Vander back..
I like this team: The are great young guys, and they listen to coach, are friends..and want to win for TEAM, University and fans of Hawaii…for that , we say Mahalo to the entire UH MBB team and coaches..and staff!
UNLV>>.guys get ready, give the Rebels a great game with max effort..I know there will be a decent amount of Hawaii fans at that game Dec 1 2012..Vegas , the ninth Hawaiian island!!
Shout out to Jace, last nite, 1 turnover, two 3 balls for 6 pts, and six assists..good game Jace, and correct to comments..guards, and whole team have to stay with the quick guards, of every team they play…can be done, with
moving your feet, and importantly having help defense, still have to fight through ball screens, have to up on 3 ball shooters, no space,…that is a concern this year, it seems like every year for past 7 years, maybe,,quick guards
and guarding , them..Gib and staff, have to work on that with team…probably as a team they have to have help and rotation to stop dribble penetration and spot up 3’s off ball screens…BWC, live and die with those offenses..they have the quick penetrating, 3 ball shooting guards..
By BWC time…maybe UH MBB team will lock the guards down, and have Bigs dominating, paint, and as a team ..holding other team to 30% or less from 3 ball line and less than 40% from Field..UH will potentially win a lot of games..
Go Rainbow Warriors!!
jace did not have a good game , defensively he was scorched!
UHfanatic: Yes, I know…Jace had less turnovers..a 6 assist to 1 turnover ratio which, is excellent, and 2 of 4 from 3 line for 6 pts..so , for the minutes Jace played on offensive end, that is what you want from him…hope he takes it to the rim, and finds bigs, or , he is so big and strong, finish the layin and one..Jace knows it too..then he has to start hitting 70% or better from the FT line..
Gib knows, whole staff knows…UH MBB team, guards and even help Bigs have tough time with quick guards and wings..those North Dakota guys were blowing right by Jace and the other UH guards, and getting open behind ball screens for 3’s in second half…I think Jace and whole UH MBB team was gassed..5 games in 11 days is a lot..
Jace, has to work on fundamentals of D, he , and the other UH guards need defensive rotation and help, to stop dribble penetration..Jace, is not going to overnight change into a Chris Paul , or Derrick Rose quick PG..he has to play fundametal D, move feet..remember, that is what we were taught from playing park pick up to HS and JC
ball, on D , be in good position and move feet, instead of reaching..I agree with you…UH playing against quick guards, whether NAIA, D2 or lower division D1 schools will give them trouble…they have to really work on that..and that is where Jefferson, or Spearman or Harper, or even Clair might come in..if they have trouble stopping the super quick guards of UNLV or BWC teams..
Gib is going to work it..team is going to work it..I think as a team, and proper foot work on
D, they can get it done..and having Vander or Davis, or Fotu , Standhardinger, guarding the basket…can stop dribble penetration to rim…should not have that..guards from top of the key, driving free to the cup…
Well, fanatic, we know what UH MBB team has to work on FT’s , turnovers, and D…
In Spearman we Trust! We may have to play him at point against some of the more athletic point guards especially at UNLV Time to grind at Gib”s. eat up Warriors.
I liked what I saw sometimes on Rozitis’ play. He was active and engaged. But, when he made that terrific dunk, he got amped up and too excited and over agressive, resulting in getting out of position and making stupid fouls. I say stupid, because he’s got to control his emotions and keep his mental state on an even keel. He’s a Junior so he should know better. Don’t hurt the team. That’s been his trend. Last year, he fouled out in the 1st half of a game. More like in the about 10 minutes of play or less. Davis can be very effective if he just plays smart. He’s a 7 footer. He doesn’ need to initiate contact, but move his feet, get leverage and position, lean on the body a little, and keep his hands high and jump to help block shots or get rebounds. When you’re that tall, that’s initimidation enough all ready. As John Wooden would say, “Be quick, but don’t hurry”. He should always think about Tim Duncan. He’s called the “Big fundamental” because he was so sound. But, he can make a big difference, if……..And remember, he has another year left on his eligibility so this year is huge for him. He could be the starting center next year for us, if he works hard and makes good judgment. He does have potential, no question. He moves well for a big man.
I have seen enough after 5 games. This Hawaii team will win a lot of games, if it guards the 3 pt line well. I don’t think we can lose giving up 2 point field goals. That, and keeping opponents free throw shooting to a minimum or at least equal to ours. Illinois killed us on the 3 pointers. Big shot after big shot after big shot. It was quite unbelievable. That’s a priority for Arnold in practice, stay on your man.
Defense is all about moving your feet and a mentality to shut down anyone you’re playing against. It’s beating the offensive guy to his spot and making him go where you want him to. Stay low, hands up, quick feet. A lot of times our guards are biting on that initial first step and getting beat, rotation to help is late and then the bigs have to come up to help then its a quick pull up or quick dump off and easy buckets. This all can be fixed in practice. Jace has been a nice suprise and its nice to see him distribute on the offensive end, defensively he just needs to move his feet and not get out of position. Same with Hauns, have to be quicker moving the feet. Regardless, overall the team is doing well, just a few tweaks and the fact that they need to play the full 40 mins with high intensity and attack mode. Need to put teams away no matter if we winning by 10,20, or 50. Just attack non-stop until its game over.
Illinois wins the Maui Invitational. 78-61 over Butler. Hawaii played the Illini the toughest this whole season thus far. It should be a great confidence boost knowing that they can play with a solid Big 10 team. Looking forward to the UNLV game.
O.K….. ILLINOIS Won ALL Their Games All Year by Double-Figure Scores Except Hawai’i (whatever that eventually means) Including the Maui Invitational 78-61 over Butler (2010 and 2011 National Championship Game Finalists)
Note: Illinois Never Trailed in Maui Tourney; entered hitting only 59% of free-throws, on Maui hit better than 86%; Brandon Paul MVP…
Would they have played as well IF missed last shot of Hawai’i game ?
CAN Hawai’i Improve Similar to (or Better Than) Illinois….?
Illinois is a Senior Dominated Team
Hawai’i is a Very Young Team….
i would think & expect so…
Eagle beat you to it by a few seconds. But you made great points. That last second shot by Richardson gave them a huge lift going into Maui. I hope Hawaii steps it up for UNLV. The Rebels, btw, play Oregon and UC Irvine before Hawaii. It should be interesting to see how they do against both.
Having watched the first few games…. I am wondering why it seems that most of the comments are on what needs to be fixed. Keep the comments POSITIVE. We need to continue to play to our strengths and that is to play from the INSIDE- OUT. We have to much interior presence not to use it. Our guard play will be just fine. Tavita seems to be a topic in alot of these post and to be quite honest he is a very strong, and able guard that in my opinion should actually take MORE SHOTS. Brereton will be just fine shooters will keep shooting. Spearman – AMAZING, Standhardinger continues to impress me with his motor and effort. Vander- Is playing great ball for a guy fresh of an MCL injury. And to top it all off we have a great young bench. UH will be just fine come MARCH
DK – You Definitely Win The Race…
… Timing Matters
IF Hawai’i CAN Beat the Clock a Few Times…
Focus on Improvement is Only Because Hawai’i 5-0 WAS Within Reach,,,Maybe Not in Grasp…
There IS Much Room to Elevate Past Much or Most of Those Weaknesses…
Along the Way…
UHMBB Fans …ENJOY!
UHFAN: Agreed UHF…we love MBB team…Gib has good student athletes..some of observations..if you listen to Gib’s post game comments..echo, what we mention here…We believe, I think 99% that this early season, 5 games in…Gib has a lot to work with, and he and staff, and guys are working hard to get it done..he is much more calm
this year, because of youth and new guys to team..however, I agree with Gib, the effort, and they being .2 seconds from being 5-0 with a signature victory over Big Ten Illinois the Maui Classic champs, ..he feels team is way ahead of where he thought he would be at this juncture…The TEAM and coaches, and fans support will get it done..this team has potential to be very , very, very good come March..just have to keep on improving..and they will..
Go Rainbow Warriors!!
UNLV has 6 players scoring in double figures. Four of them are guards, the other 2 are forwards. Our guards will have their hands full. Conditioning, intensity, and focus.
Illinois will be in the top 15 for sure in the next poll if not higher. Very impressive those guards. They have a very good 1st head coach and they will get better. I predict they will have at least eight elite potential. Like the way they play. Shoot fearlessly. They know they’re good. Confidence builder from the UH O/T win.
Hawaii playing on the road at UNLV is an indication of what’s to come. Road contests in the past have not been kind. If we lose a close game I think it’s a good sign. Win and we look for real. We are talking about the 18th ranked team in the country. Get blown out and well, same old thing. One point can make a whole lot of difference. A small thing can be a big thing. The coaches and the players have to understand that at all times.
Good things seem to happen when Davis Rozitis comes in. I hope he will be part of the rotation. Also Roop seems to be getting better and more comfortable every game. We seem best when we push the ball, but you need a lot of substitution if you are going to continue that throughout the second half. If enough bench players can be taking their turn, we can be very aggressive on both offense and defense, and wear the other team down.
Good posts guys.
UNLV’s strength is actually their post players with 1st team MWC power forward from UCLA, Mike Moser and their five star freshman Anthony Bennett (who is currently their leading scorer). They will run a two power forward three guard lineup. We have a slight height advantage with Vander, but they so athletic and quick in the post, it will be interesting how our guys respond.
Their guards are very good as well though. Their PG, Marshall, had his way with us last season. I think he had 18 points against us and led them in scoring for that game. They also have three other good guards that can go off instantaneously.
Aussie Mum: You can be proud of Michael …in crunch time, Hawaii trying to hold off North Dakota, who does Coach Gib call on? The Thunder from Down Under…Michael Harper(Mr Hustle) …he brought energy, got a steal, and help to ignite Hawaii to hang on to win..gave Hauns a breather, Hauns came back and hit a big 3! Great job Michael and I am sure, it gave you a good feeling Aussie Mum!! Cannot forget your boy! He will play more, Gib loves his hustle..and Michael will do anything to help team win!!
Tonganator..: shout out for Isaac “King of the Boards” Fotu..young man is team player, and physical ,very athletic..Coach asks him to go to the basket, and be more agressive and score..Isaac responds with a great offensive game..Isaac is just getting warmed up! Great job Fotu Ohana, and tweet Isaac , the UH team, coaches and fans love his game..
Shout out to Gib and staff..12 man roster, only 4 had experience last year with UH team on court, so 8 new guys breaking in..Gib and guys doing a great job, working together. and developing a winning team..
When I look at that North Dakota game again, as well as the Illinois game..heck , it is only 5 games into season, however, those 5, were in 11 day span, and UH guys, whomever in there always going 110% effort, or more..that is why the legs got to them, ..affect FT’s, etc…this break of 11 days is a blessing..MBB team can rest, enjoy a
holiday, and get back to work..hopefully, they do well in class too..These 12, are special guys…hard workers, and you can tell Gib has a special bond with all of them..great bunch to coach..down the line, during season, they will have some big wins and challenge for the BWC auto bid to NCAA…they are on a mission!!
Go Rainbow Warriors!!
Uhfanzonly1,
Yes you are right – I am a proud mum. I love reading the breakdown of the games that all the WI fans post – you guys all know how to dissect a game!!!
I cannot comment at the level that all of you understand the game, and I was biting my nails during the 2nd half, however, I think the fact that they “held on” is an improvement, and improving over the season is what will win games – because you only keep improving if you are doing the hard yards during training, listening to the coaches, supporting your team mates etc.
It is really exciting watching these guys build their game – and in particular I have become a huge Brandon Spearman fan (oh and I think Rozitis had a Tim Tam before the game – that gave him the extra bounce for that dunk!)
GO WARRIORS,
loved the way the players stuck with it even when the ND team came back at em.
what i didn’t like is the lack of planning/communication between the UH ushers/security and the student themed night. i sat near the students and saw an usher tell a girl to deflate her pink inner tube before the game. um, why? just about then, they started throwing out the other inflatable rings, ducks, etc, including beach balls. the ushers soon saw the beach balls and the head usher guy yelled at the students to throw the balls to him. one student threw it at him in disgust.
later in the game, the girl with the pink inner tube was told to deflate her inner tube again, and she did. but i noticed another girl with the same inner tube that she wore the whole game and wasn’t told to deflate it.
also, if you watched the video above, Coach thanks the student section including that one guy in the speedo, no shirt and afro wig. he did a good job distracting everyone, including us. but again, same usher, came down and told him to put on his shirt. i also noticed he had put on his shorts too.
lets see now… trying to create a fun student atmosphere that students want to come to and be a part of, yet, they contradict themselves by taking away the fun. hopefully the students ignore the stupidity and keep coming to games, as i was impressed by the amount of students that were there. keep showing up to support your team. they feed off of you and appreciate you being there!
Aussie mum.
We were biting our nails as well here while listening to the game!! certainly huge effort from the team to get the W. You might to send a container loads of Tim Tams Aussie mum for the team so have enough to take on the road when palyign UNLV….
Can’t wait for the next game, but team get a really rest, stock up and ready to rock and roll.
Thanks Uhfanzonly1 for encouragement.
Go THE WARRIORS>