No. 11 Wichita State edges Warriors in OT, 80-79
Rashard Kelly banked in an 8-footer from the left side of the paint tonight with 3.8 seconds remaining in overtime to lift No. 11-ranked Wichita State to a pulsating 80-79 victory over Hawai’i in the semifinals of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.
An electric crowd of about 6,800 at the Stan Sheriff Center watched Aaron Valdes and Isaac Fleming each score 17 points and Stefan Jankovic add 12 points as the Rainbow Warriors fell to 9-4. The Shockers improved to 10-1.
UH will face Colorado in Thursday’s third-place game at 1:30 p.m.
After Kelly’s go-ahead basket, Hawai’i point guard Roderick Bobbitt took the inbounds pass, raced up the court and quickly dished to Mike Thomas, whose running 15-footer glanced off the rim as time expired.
Jankovic’s 3-pointer from the top of the key gave the Rainbow Warriors a 75-74 lead with 3:11 remaining in overtime, and Thomas scored a layup off Bobbitt’s nifty driving assist in the lane to make it 77-74 with 2:14 left. Wichita State closed it to 77-75 on Carter’s free throw with 53.9 seconds remaining, and Hawai’i immediately threw the ensuing inbounds pass out of bounds.
Fred VanVleet then swished a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 32.
Wichita State led at halftime, 34-33, but Webster-Chan broke a 36-36 tie by swishing a 3-pointer, then drained another one a minute later to put the Rainbow Warriors up, 42-36, with 17:10 remaining. Hawai’i later pushed the lead to 49-42 after two free throws by Stefan Jankovic with 15:08 left, but Wichita State capitalized on a series of bad UH possessions and eventually tied it at 49-49 on Ron Baker’s 3-pointer with 12:38 remaining.
After the teams traded baskets, the Shockers took the lead back at 53-51 on Rauno Nurger’s free throws with 10:18 left, then later extended it to 60-53 on Baker’s 3-pointer from the top of the key with eight minutes remaining.
This time the Rainbow Warriors answered, as Fleming’s 3-pointer from the right wing ignited a 9-3 run capped by Bobbitt’s driving layup which put Hawai’i up, 65-63, with 4:34 left. Wichita State closed it to 65-64 on Baker’s free throw 30 seconds later, then took a 66-65 lead after a pair of free throws by Zach Brown with 2:38 remaining.
The Rainbow Warriors grabbed the lead back at 67-66 on Valdes’ layup in traffic with 1:09 left, but the Shockers answered with VanVleet’s driving layup 19 seconds later to make it 68-67. Valdes then swished a 3-pointer from the left wing to put UH ahead, 70-68, with 43.4 seconds remaining.
Baker’s two free throws tied it at 70-70 with 27.5 ticks on the clock, and after Webster-Chan’s mid-range jumper was partially blocked with under 10 seconds left, Wichita State recovered a loose ball and Baker’s halfcourt shot glanced off the rim, sending the game into overtime.
More details, including video highlights and interviews, will be posted later.
ALL OF WARRIOR NATION IS SO PROUD OF YOU GUYS!
A BIG SHOUT OUT TO COACH GIB FOR BRINGING THIS BAND OF PLAYERS TOGETHER…THIS IS YOUR TEAM!
KUDOS COACH B…ANOTHER NICE JOB. MY SUGGESTION TO YOU IS TO GET A BIZ MGR. AND HAVE HIM APPROACH THE POWERS TO BE…NO SENSE IN WAITING…YOU GOT RECRUITS TO BRING IN TO PERPETUATE THE LEGACY OF THIS TEAM!
NOW THAT THESE BOWZ ARE NO LONGER A SECRET, IMAGINE WHAT THEY CAN DO WHEN THEY FINALLY LEARN TO PLAY WITH ONE ANOTHER. SUCH TALENT, JUST NEED TO LEARN TO ACT AS ONE. ONLY TIME WILL DO THAT…MEANWHILE, THE BBALL WORLD KNOWS NOW WHO WE ARE NOW.
LETS FINISH OFF THIS TOURNAMENT WITH ANOTHER WIN!
GO BOWZ
GREAT EFFORT and LOTS OF FIGHT and LOTS OF ENERGY and GREAT PRESSURE… This team is really demonstrating what they are about! The pieces are coming together.
Here’s a Christmas wish… hoping them naysters… jump in and say some positive things about this TEAM.
GO WARRIORS – your RAINBOW is shining Brightly.
The ball just bounced the wrong way for UH on the rebound to Kelly, after the missed shot by Vanvleet .
Even with this heartbreaking loss, the more I watch this team the more impressed I get. I’m certain that from the opening bell Wichita State thought this game was a piece of cake. Every time the Shockers tried to pull away, Hawaii answered back. Our bench really put up some numbers. Flemmings 17 points, Jankovic 12. Njacinto you are right about Jankovic. Although he still has a way to go in coming back from his long layoff, I can see the tremendous skills that he possess. We haven’t had a pick and roll player for ages—no doubt because it takes multiple skills to be one. And Flemmings is incredible. A true freshman and already getting respect from opposing teams. He displayed his shooting tonight. He’s going to be a tough matchup for any team because of his ability to drive or shoot. The Shockers are a great disciplined team that know how to win. The fact that we rode with them is a testament to this relatively young team. And as all young teams they will learn from each game and get better. We got the talent, and we got the heart. All we gotta do now is continue to improve. Free throws are one of them. But the future is bright for this team and if they continue to improve and stay focused they might meet up with Wichita State one day in post season. Vengeance with a capital V.
this loss is frustrating ,so close just made some mistakes which in the end cost the game, if anything the players should be angry at themselves ,they had the Shockers,on ward to the third place game hope they can re focus ,tomorrow , just move on guys , the crowd , Warrior Nation, we got to support our team, show up Christmas day , make it a racous and loud….Warrior time
Report card for Hawaii (versus Wichita):
Overall hustle/effort: A+
Shooting: B+ (44% / 43.5% 3-pt / 74% Free throw)
Defense: A (39.% shooting for Wichta / caused 13 turnovers)
Rebounding: B+ (both teams tied with 36)
Possessions/Turnovers: C+ (16 turnovers)
Overall Grade: A- (versus Wichita)
Positive Notes: We are getting better and better. Defense is already there… maybe even getting better as Janko developing into a rim protector… Janko now adds to our half court offense. Brighter days are ahead for Hawaii.
Hawaii is currently 9-4
Hawaii will beat Colorado, then Southern at home (11-4)
Hawaii will WIN all 8 conference home games (19-4)
Hawaii will WIN at least 4 on the road, maybe lose 4 (23-8)
I project Hawaii to be at least 23-8 before the Big West Tournament
*Not good enough for an at-large unless we run the table in the Big West season (27-4) with nice wins over Pittsburgh, Nebraska, and Colorado.
The LAST Hawaii team that went to the NCAA’s was the 2002 Savo/English led team. They were also the last good ROAD team Hawaii has had in recent years.
The ONE thing the 2014-15 team has in common with that 2002 team is DEFENSE. The 2002 team played terrific team defense and always played a tough man-to-man. Their best defensive player was Carl English, who turned steals into breakaways. On the road against Fresno, Hawaii played without Pedrag Savovic due to injury. Carl English took over the game, turned multiple steals into baskets and scored over 30 points in a heroic effort.
This 2014 team plays a BETTER defense than the Savo/English team….I’ve always believed that good defense will keep you in games and puts the team in a position to win in the final minutes, as long as you can make the last shots, and don’t give the ball and the game away.
On Jan. 17, Hawaii travels to Cal State Riverside. We will see how well this defense translates on the road in the Big West. I predict positive results. I have only positive feelings about this team.
“COULD” ADD ONE for Prarie View A&M
BUT I Think They Might/Will Lose One @ Home…
(Like Tonight OR High Point)
————–
MAY ALREADY BE BEST UH TEAM EVER…
PLAY HARD & SMART EVERY GAME…WHOLE GAME…
(Mistakes ARE Mistakes of Commission Not Omission)
Soooo close. If only that last rebound fell into the hands of a Warrior. What an exciting game.
Go Warriors!
Dumb UH admin, Chancellor and “AD” , Benjy and staff, and continually ESPN 2 national announcers, mention what happened to UH MBB over last 12 months,.. outstanding credit to Benjy and the Team. Young, however, no fluke, they easily, if healthy and not jet lagged, and one more box out, or another FT drop.. UH would be 12-0 and in the top 35.. without question..
Jankovich, what a load, He has the whole package, handle, rim protect, rebound, steals, mid range, put backs. 3 ball down.. Have to let Jovanovich spell him too.
However it looks like this:
Starters for Now:
PG: Bobbitt.. A Warrior , Best PG since AC Carter, a Winner.. not huge scorer, however LEADS
SG: G Money, he a player, one of the best rebounding 2 guards since Carl English, gets up head rim level
SF: AV.. guy is playing All Universe
Hybrid 3/4: NWC.. getting his shot back
C hybrid: Mike Thomas, tough son of a gun, and getting better has to not reach in and get fouls.
Off the Bench, a super bench Now
PG: Q high energy and D
SG: I Fleming is Showtime !!
SF: Wato, come on Brandon time to step up !!
PF:Jankovich, skillset, one of the best in the country.. when he gets into BWC basketball shape, All BWC 2nd or first or newcomer of year along with Bobbitt/ Fleming Freshman of the year
C: Jovanovich.. hit you in the mouth
bench brigade unite: Brocke Stepteau RS, Zach Buscher RS,
active: PG: Niko SG: Dyrbe
And the guys LIKE EACH OTHER
Power that be Pres, BOR, or Marilyn Moniz? just joking.. Get that Benjy signed for 3 years..
Benjy, the team ready.. so focused, close out DHC for third place on ESPN again.. 2-1 then last two pre BWC games at SSC on Dec 29 and 30.. UH will be at 12-4… BWC home games.. goal agree njacnito. every coaches goal sweep at home 8-0, the 4-4 on the BWC road, that would leave UH at 12-4, either number 1 or 2 seed in BWC play and possible BWC regular season champs means Auto bid to NIT.. if UH wins BWC tournament.. they will be overall 27-8 matching Riley, however, better guard defensively, and by them 4 guys that can shoot within system as a team from rim to 3 line..
THIS TEAM, pupule, gibnog.., whatever you are man or madam.. This team is Too good for you.. They ARE CHAMPIONS
8000 at arena, with another 52,000 watching at home, and nationwide , maybe another 250, 000 homes.. UH is the real deal
BENJY for 3 year locked in HC, come what may.. This team don’t sulk clear this game and move on to win Colorado game, will be exciting.. in short time new guys, ncaa causing problems, 2 coaches fired,. two Bigs dig out.. and UH IS STEPPING UP !!
Sheeeesh… LOVE THESE BOWS..
LOVE YOU GUYS>….Top 150 for sure.. if real poll !!
🙂
okay naysayers, negative nancies, jake, gibno…, and pupule, said UH would not even win 9 games.. not even make BWC tournament, fire and brimstone would destroy them.. well what do you know? UH is at 9-4, almost beat a top 10 type team, great game, they go blow by blow with best teams in country,.. ones say UH not good teams they play pre BWC , well , Pitt win, BYU if UH had NWC and not at altitude, UH wins that game, High point a low point, UH should have won, took them too lightly, Wichita St. one bounce, one box out, short on runner by Thomas, and UH would destroy ESPN matcup on
Xmas day it would be Geo. Washington vs Hawaii, and 8000+ would be in the house.
Jamie Smith come on back !! UH MBB and new HC Benjy Taylor ready to rock The BWC and go NIT or NCAA tournament.. MBB train bound for March Madness glory just starting to get steamed up !!
Go Bows !!!
🙂
Great game. The lazy inbound pass by the Bows drove me crazy. However the biggest mistake could have been by the Bows staff. In hindsight it’s an easy call, however given the circumstances I would have played Jovanovich after the last time out. Two scenario could have played out for the Shockers to win, hit the shot or miss and make the putback, get fouled and make the free throws or miss and make the putback. A bigger Bow may have changed the outcome. As disappointed I was of Valdez playing time last year, I feel the same way about Stefan 2, 4minutes in 2 games.
Once again, terrific game and GREAT team. Don’t know why why some can’t just accept their record and constantly bring up “IF’S”. U kidding? Shoulda, woulda, coulda. stop with e excuses. Players are not making any which is credit to them. Best team ever? That kind of talk comes in March, not December. And Runbows, please point out one “negative” comment about the team from this corner. On second thought, don’t bother. U already have your mind made up so no need waste time. GO BOWS!!! (Is that too “negative”)