A 72-point trouncing. That’s what the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team delivered Friday night, making history with a 116-44 rout of Bethesda in the opening game of the 60th annual OUTRIGGER Rainbow Classic. The Rainbow Warriors absolutely decimated Bethesda, setting a new program record for their largest margin of victory. This wasn’t just a win, this was a statement, and head coach Eran Ganot celebrated his 200th career victory in style.
Unbelievable Numbers: A Record-Shattering Performance
The Rainbow Warriors (now 2-0 on the season) didn’t just break a record, they shattered it. Their 72-point victory demolished the old school record of 67 points, which had stood since a 110-43 win over BYU-Hawaii way back on November 20, 1962. Think about that, over 60 years for a record to stand, and then it gets absolutely crushed. Hawaii’s 116 points also marked their fourth-highest scoring total ever, and their most since dropping 117 against Memphis State in March of ’74. This team was clicking on all cylinders, showcasing a balanced offensive attack with a mind-blowing seven players scoring in double figures. Zack Davidson led the charge with 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Chance Trujillo and Tanner Cuff each dropped 14 points, with Trujillo hitting four three-pointers. Kellen Hampton added 13, Bol Dengdit had a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, Marcus Adams Jr. contributed 12, and Jaden Matingou chipped in 10. Every single one of the 11 Rainbow Warriors who played scored in this lopsided victory, man, that’s team basketball! And Coach Ganot hitting 200 wins on a night like this? That’s a memorable milestone, 197 of those coming right there in Hawaii.
From Early Scare to Absolute Blowout
Believe it or not, Bethesda actually scored the game’s first three points and even took a 5-3 lead. But that was literally the last time the Lion Angels saw the lead. Hawaii responded immediately with an 8-0 run and never, ever looked back. They established a double-digit advantage midway through the first half and just kept piling it on. The Rainbow Warriors outscored Bethesda by 29 points in the final minutes of the half, building a commanding 61-21 lead at halftime. They shot a scorching 58% from the field in the first half while clamping down Bethesda to a dismal 29%. In the second half, it was more of the same. Lueth Awan knocked down a three-pointer with 7:15 left to reach the century mark, the 43rd time in program history Hawaii scored 100 or more. The lead eventually stretched to 70 points with 4:07 remaining, finishing with that record-setting 72-point margin. For the game, Hawaii shot 53.6% from the field and held Bethesda to just 26.3%. They absolutely dominated the paint with 60 points inside and pulled down a massive 62 rebounds, their highest total since grabbing 70 against Redlands in 1972. Tiger Cuff dished out seven assists, while Awan added nine points and nine boards off the bench. Connecting on 12 three-pointers just capped off an offensively balanced and historic night.
This win is just the beginning for Hawaii in the Rainbow Classic, and they’ve already shown they are a force to be reckoned with. This team knows how to win, whether it’s by a single point or a record-setting seventy-two. Just ask the Seattle squad they narrowly beat 74-73 on Monday, thanks to Jaden Matingou’s game-winner with 1.2 seconds left. They’re making statements early in the season, and it’s going to be exciting to see what they do next in this tournament.
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