RIVERSIDE, Calif. — James Jean-Marie had a career-high 24 points as Hawaii edged past UC Riverside 88-83 on Friday. Junior Madut added 21 points for the Rainbow Warriors. Madut also had seven rebounds.
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — James Jean-Marie had a career-high 24 points as Hawaii edged past UC Riverside 88-83 on Friday. Junior Madut added 21 points for the Rainbow Warriors. Madut also had seven rebounds.
It was the first Big West Conference game of the season for both teams.
Noel Coleman had 11 points for Hawaii (3-0). Justin Webster added 10 points.
Arinze Chidom had 20 points for the Highlanders (3-2). Zyon Pullin added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Flynn Cameron had 12 points and seven rebounds.
UH saw a 10-point lead with 48 seconds left dwindle to three with 21 seconds remaining. But Madut hit four free throws in the final 18 seconds to finish with 21 points and help seal the win.
The Rainbow Warriors (3-0, 1-0 BWC) and Highlanders (3-2, 0-1) meet again Saturday at 2 p.m. Hawaii time.
Jean-Marie, a transfer from San Diego, set his season high on 10-for-15 shooting from the field, including 3-for-4 from 3-point range in his first start of the season. Madut went 7-for-11 from the field with two 3-pointers and was 5-for-6 from the free-throwline.
