Turning to its youthful reserves against a stubborn NCAA Division II opponent, Hawai’i turned back visiting Adams State, 87-77, in non-conference men’s basketball action Monday night.
A patiently supportive Stan Sheriff Center crowd of 4,515 (tickets issued) watched Gibson Johnson score 19 points and true freshman Samuta Avea add 13 points and five rebounds off the bench as the Warriors improved to 4-1 heading into Saturday’s road game at Utah, while the Grizzlies fell to 2-5.
Sophomores Leland Green and Brandon Thomas each also added 13 points and junior Brocke Stepteau chipped in with 12 points.
“We were very fortunate to get the win tonight,” UH coach Eran Ganot said.