UH rallies, holds off Long Beach State

The University of Hawaii men’s basketball team overcame a 16-point, first-half deficit before holding off Long Beach State 78-76 on Friday night at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu.

Justin Webster led the Rainbow Warriors (9-8, 7-8 Big West Conference) with 16 points. Jovon McClanahan had 13 points, Justin Hemsley scored 12 and Mate Colina 10.

After falling behind big, UH still trailed 39-30 at halftime. The 49ers opened up a 14-point lead early in the second half before a furious rally by the Rainbow

Warriors tied the game at 57 with 10:56 left. A minute later, UH took its first lead of the game after McClanahan’s layup made it 61-60.

The teams traded blows until McClanahan’s jumper with 3:50 remaining gave UH the lead for good. Chance Hunter’s 3-point attempt at the buzzer bounced off the rim to seal Hawaii’s victory.

Hunter finished with 23 points to lead Long Beach State (5-8, 4-5). Isaiah Washington chipped in 17.

Earlier Friday, the UH women picked up a close win of their own over the Beach with a 77-75 victory in Long Beach, Calif.

Rainbow Wahine senior Amy Atwell tied her career high with 25 points, the final two coming on what proved to be the game-winning jumper with 1:07 remaning.

Atwell also had nine rebounds. Nnenna Orji had 11 points, Daejah Phillips added 10 points and Kasey Neubert pulled down 11 rebounds for Hawaii (6-6, 5-5).

Justina King and Naomi Hunt each scored 18 points, and Ma’Qhi Berry added 16 for Long Beach State (11-6, 10-5).

The teams play again today.

The Hawaii State Public Library System will host a free virtual genealogy resources speaker series in March and April.

The first Zoom presentation, “How to Begin Finding Your Family Roots,” will be held at 10 a.m. on March 6. Participants will learn research techniques, organizational tips and basic resources to help start the search for their family history. The presentation will be conducted by Hawaiian and Young Adult Collections Librarian Kylie Flood at Nanakuli Public Library.

Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit librarieshawaii.org.