Freshman Raheem Appleby scored 28 points as Louisiana Tech beat host Hawaii 74-70 in a WAC men’s basketball game Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The Rainbow Warriors played without starting guards Miah Ostrowski (staph infection) and Zane Johnson (stomach virus).

LaTech improved to 9-10 overall and 1-3 in the WAC. Hawaii fell to 10-8 and 2-2 in the conference.

UH closed to 69-68 when Bobby Miles made two free throws with 1:06 left. Appleby responded with a runner, UH’s Shaquille Stokes missed a 3-pointer, and J.L. Lewis made two free throws with 29 seconds left to give LaTech a 5-point lead.

Joston Thomas, who led the Rainbows with 22 points, scored on a tip with 8 seconds left to close it to 73-70. Then Trevor Wiseman generated some late drama, picking up a loose ball as time ran down. But his 3-point attempt to tie bounced off the rim.

Kenyon McNeail made a free throw for the final point.

UH center Vander Joaquim fouled out with 5:08 left after scoring 11 points and gathering eight rebounds.

Hawaii shot 61 percent from the line, making 19 of 31 free throws. UH made 17 turnovers.

LaTech led 38-34 at halftime, as Cordarius Johnson made 4 of 5 shots beyond the arc for 14 points. Appleby added 10.

Hawaii out rebounded LaTech 18-13 in the first half, and the Bulldogs were whistled for 13 fouls to eight for the Rainbows. But UH made just 10 of 16 foul shots and was betrayed by 10 turnovers compared to five for LaTech.