A few Hawaii fans remaining gave Corey Hawkins sincere applause after he came out for interviews following his sublime performance for UC Davis in its 93-82 win over the Rainbow Warriors.
His 40 points aren’t the record for the Stan Sheriff Center, but the calm efficiency of it — the 3-point bombing to build up the lead in the first half and the nothing-but-net dozen free throws at the end to seal it after UH pushed back … if he were a pitcher, he’d get the win and the save.
There was a better 3-point shooting performance here just a couple of weeks ago as UH’s Brandon Jawato went 7-for-7. But Hawkins’ 7-for-8 beyond the arc in the first half — with some help from his friends — was the biggest reason for the Aggies’ 17-point lead. Then he sealed it down the stretch with the free throws.
The visitors were more ready to play.
"It felt like they were blowin’ past us, taking us off the dribble," Hawaii coach Gib Arnold said. "We had two or three different defenses and they had answers for them. All of a sudden you got four hot hands out there and you can’t take away everything."
We learn it young. Giving three for two in return is not a good trade. This is especially true on the basketball court, and even more so when a good share of the time you don’t even get your deuce. Such it was for UH, as it didn’t capitalize on its size advantage and the Aggies played tough under the basket.
Yes, Hawkins was hot, but at some point you have to figure out he’s not a 25-percent shooter on this night and get in his jersey.
I asked UH guard Garrett Jefferson at what point do you give the guy extra attention.
"When he hit a couple of 3s," he answered. "But at that point, it was a little too late."
It shouldn’t have been too hard to find Hawkins. He was the only guy with high socks, wrist bands and a full beard. But he kept getting open, and his teammates kept working the ball to him.
"I was a little bit surprised I was so open, but I haven’t been shooting the ball that great," said the son of former NBA player Hersey Hawkins. "It’s confidence. Make one and you keep making them."
Hawkins slowed down a bit in the second half, but hit a big shot in the key with 3:42 left after UH had scrapped back to cut the margin to nine points, then the flurry of free throws with less than two minutes left to seal it. The guy was even game-high with 11 rebounds.
Give the Warriors some credit for battling back, but the first half killed them … especially not figuring out a way to cool off Hawkins.
UH was a step slow in the early going, on both ends of the court.
Brandon Spearman brought some energy, especially with a steal, score and free throw to staunch the Aggies’ 20-9 opening burst.
But the Rainbow Warriors could generate no sustained momentum, and the onslaught continued.
"Quite a night. We just couldn’t keep up with him," Arnold said. "He kept extending it and was on fire."
———
Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783.
