Men’s Basketball Triumphs Over Charlotte in a Thrilling Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic Showdown

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball squad started strong and maintained their advantage in a 78-61 victory over Charlotte during the first round of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic on Sunday at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
 
With this triumph, the Rainbows Warriors (7-3) advance to the semifinal of the tournament where they will meet Nebraska on Monday at 5:30 p.m. The Huskers easily defeated Murray State, 66-49 in prior competition.
 
UH initiated the matchup with an 11-2 streak and boasted a 64 percent shooting percentage in the first half, leading by 13 points at halftime. The ‘Bows extended their advantage to as much as 21 points in the latter half.
 
Gytis Nemeiska matched his personal best with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, contributing seven rebounds to lead UH. Marcus Greene chimed in with a season-high 22 points and three assists.
 
UH improved to 7-1 at home this season and has secured victory in 13 of their last 14 at the SSC since last year. This also signified the fourth time in the last five attempts that UH reached the Diamond Head Classic semifinals.
 
At one moment during the first half, the ‘Bows made 10 consecutive field goals, increasing their lead to as high as 16 points. UH concluded the first half with a 44-31 advantage, bolstered by a combined 26 points from Greene (14) and Nemeiska (12) shooting at 64 percent.
 
Charlotte (6-5) narrowed the gap to nine early in the second half, however, UH countered with a nine-point run, culminated by a Tanner Christensen three-point play to double their lead and take command for the remainder of the game.
 
UH limited the 49ers to just 37 percent shooting in the latter half. The ‘Bows out-rebounded Charlotte 37-21 and outscored them 40-28 in the paint.
 
Sunday Outcomes
Oregon State 74, Charleston 65
Oakland 72, Loyola Chicago 71
Nebraska 66, Murray State 49
Hawaii 78, Charlotte 61
 
Monday Line-up
Charleston vs. Loyola, 12:30 p.m.
Oregon State vs. Oakland, 3:00 p.m.
Nebraska vs. Hawai’i, 5:30 p.m.
Murray State vs. Charlotte, 7:30 p.m.

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