On repeat: UH rallies for another close win over Beach

For the second straight night, the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team found itself facing a double-digit deficit in the second half.

And for the second straight night, the Rainbow Warriors rallied before holding on for the win after Long Beach State missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

James Jean-Marie had 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead UH to a 79-76 victory over the Beach on Saturday in the Rainbow Warriors’ home finale at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu.

Justin Webster added 14 points, Junior Madut scored 13 points and Casdon Jardine had 10 points for Hawaii (10-8, 88 Big West Conference).

The Rainbow Warriors trailed 38-31 at halftime and 45-35 with 17:40 remaining in the game. Much like Friday night — when UH rallied from a 14-point second-half deficit in a 78-76 win — the ’Bows went on a 15-5 run to tie the game at 50.

They went on to lead by as many as 15 points — with 6:29 remaining — before the 49ers went on a run of their own to close within 77-76 with 1:46 left. Jovon McClanahan hit two free throws to put UH up by 3, and after both teams missed shots and committed turnovers, Michael Carter III’s 3-point attempt at the horn went in-and-out to seal the win for Hawaii.

Carter led the 49ers (5-9, 46) with 20 points. Jadon Jones and Joe Hampton each scored 13 points, and Chance Hunter added 12.

Earlier Saturday, the UH women’s team completed their own two-game sweep of Long Beach State, edging the 49ers 76-73 in overtime in Long Beach, Calif.

The game featured 14 ties and 13 lead changes. The Rainbow Wahine led 39-37 at halftime, though the Beach held a 60-52 advantage going into the final quarter.

Amy Atwell tied the game at 69 with a 3-pointer with two minutes remaining, and neither team scored again in regulation, forcing overtime.

Kelsie Imai’s jumper in the extra period broke a 73-73 tie with 29 seconds left. Kasey Neubert hit a free throw with nine seconds left, and Long Beach State’s Naomi Hunt missed a 3 at the buzzer.

Atwell finished with 23 points to lead the Rainbow Wahine (7-6, 6-5). Neubert had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Jadynn Alexander and Imai each scored 10.

Jasmine Hardy scored 24 points for the Beach (11-7, 106). Justina King had 14 points, Ma’Qhi Berry had 12 and Hunt 11.

The UH teams wrap up their regular-season schedules next Friday and Saturday, with the men playing at UC Davis and the women hosting the Aggies.