Hawaii basketball team tops Portland in season opener
Five Hawaii players scored in double figures as the Rainbow Warriors basketball team opened the 2018-19 season with an 82-64 win over Portland tonight at the Stan Sheriff Center.
A crowd of 3,291 was on hand as UH won its opener for the ninth time in 10 years. Forward Zigmars Raimo tied his career high of 17 points; point guard Brocke Stepteau had 16 points and four assists; forward Jack Purchase put in 15 points with five assists; newcomer guard Eddie Stansberry hit four 3s in his UH debut for 12 points; and wing Samuta Avea added 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Rainbows hit 11 3-pointers, assisted on 22 of their 31 baskets and committed just nine turnovers.
Portland (1-1) of the West Coast Conference was led by former Hawaii resident Marcus Shaver Jr., who scored 19 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
UH led by just two at halftime after a 10-0 Pilots run late in the first half. The ‘Bows came out hot after the break, going on a 9-0 run.
Portland briefly got it back to single digits until a 3 by Purchase with 15:36 left. The lead grew to as many as 19 points.
UH continues play in the Rainbow Classic at 7 p.m Saturday against Division II Humboldt State.