University of Hawai'i Men's Basketball Team Suffers Second Consecutive Loss in Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic

Strategic Insights -

The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team faced a tough setback as they fell to the South Florida Bulls 76-69 in the 2021 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center. This marked the first meeting between the two teams in program history, with Hawai'i struggling to gain momentum in the first half. Despite a strong second-half effort, Hawai'i's shooting woes and inability to rebound led to their second straight loss. Guard Noel Coleman led the team with 22 points, while forward Kamaka Hepa and guard Junior Madut contributed 16 and 11 points, respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hawai'i shot 44.4% overall (20-45) compared to South Florida's 43.3% (26-60).
  • Hawai'i made 36% of their 3-point attempts (9-25) and 69% of their free throw attempts (20-29).
  • Guard Noel Coleman led the team with 22 points, while forward Kamaka Hepa and guard Junior Madut contributed 16 and 11 points, respectively.
  • Hawai'i struggled with rebounding, being out-rebounded by South Florida 35-22.
  • The team committed 15 turnovers, with five coming from guard Junior Madut.
  • South Florida outscored Hawai'i in points off turnovers (22-11) and points in the paint (28-22).
  • Hawai'i managed to stay in contention by going 7-of-11 (63.6%) at the free throw line in the first half.

Statistics:

  • Hawai'i shot 44.4% overall (20-45).
  • South Florida shot 43.3% overall (26-60).
  • Hawai'i made 36% of their 3-point attempts (9-25).
  • Hawai'i made 69% of their free throw attempts (20-29).
  • South Florida out-rebounded Hawai'i 35-22.
  • Hawai'i committed 15 turnovers.
  • South Florida outscored Hawai'i in points off turnovers (22-11).
  • South Florida outscored Hawai'i in points in the paint (28-22).

Sources:

  • University of Hawai'i at Manoa Athletics
  • ESPN Honolulu
  • ESPNU
  • South Florida Athletics