‘Bows take care of ball, destroy Life Pacific in season opener

Hawaii’s basketball team controlled the boards, the ball and Life Pacific for a 96-61 rout in Friday night’s opening round of the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic at SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center.

A crowd of 2,138 saw the Rainbow Warriors grab a 43-20 advantage in rebounds, including 15-4 off the offensive glass. The ‘Bows also had a 23-0 second-chance advantage. The ‘Bows committed only five turnovers, and only one after halftime.

Akira Jacobs led the ‘Bows with 20 points. Gytis Nemeiksa and Kody Williams each contributed 14 points.

The ‘Bows’ will meet San Jose State in Sunday’s second round. Pacific defeated San Jose State 80-67 in the first game of the doubleheader.

All of the ‘Bows’ self-inflicted woes in two previous exhibitions – 53 turnovers, 10-for-34 shooting on 3s – were erased as they took a 56-29 halftime lead.

The ‘Bows committed just four turnovers and shot 8-for-15 from behind the arc, including five of their first seven. Williams, a surprise starter at guard, and Jacobs each scored 14 points in the first half. Williams drained all four of his 3s and ignited the ‘Bows’ fast break.

Jacobs, who moved to his more natural position on the wing, was 4-for-5 in the first half, including two 3s.

The ‘Bows played four shifts in the first half, with each showing sparks. Tom Beattie, who shared the point with Williams, hit all five of his shots – four of them driving layups. Marcus Greene, a transfer from Houston Christian, had a dazzling game at halftime. Seeing a player on the wing, a defender broke away to cover the expected pass. Instead, Greene used a cross-over move to slide into the vacated lane for a layup.

The ‘Bows dominated the boards in the first half, building a 26-8 advantage.