Three down, three to go, and 1-0 in the process.
Second-year UH-Hilo men’s basketball coach Kaniela Aiona enjoyed his first game in front of home fans Friday night, an 89-72 victory against Simpson before a crowd of 411 at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
“It was great to be in the Civic in this environment,” Aiona in a school release. “It was a great environment, the student section was terrific. I think as people get used to getting back out and going to public events, our crowds will grow.”
An official start to the season after two exhibition losses to Division I teams, Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones produced 26 points and eight rebounds, hitting 10 of 15 shots as the Vulcans put four scorers in double figures. Jamie Strong hit five 3-pointers en route to 15 points. Max Kunnert scored seven consecutive as UHH scooted to a 29-7 lead, and fellow freshman Donald McHenry also scored 12.
Aiona went 10-2 in his debut season, which was shortened by the pandemic and didn’t include fans.
Amid playing six games in seven days, there was no rest for the Vuls, who traveled to Oahu for a game Saturday afternoon against Northern Colorado before heading back to the Civic to face Simpson again on Sunday. On Friday night, Anthony Rice led the NAIA from California with 24 points.
“Simpson is very athletic and was difficult for us in transition,” Aiona added. “They will be a challenge again on Sunday.”