HONOLULU – The Vulcans shot nearly 60 percent in a charged-up second half but the UH-Hilo Men’s Basketball team were ultimately taken down by UH Manoa, 82-66, Tuesday evening in an exhibition contest at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center.
UH-Hilo went 0 for 9 from beyond the arc in the opening half as it fell into a 35-23 hole at the break. Charles Elzie III landed the Vulcans’ first perimeter shot at the 15:40 mark of the second half as they finished 15 of 26 from the field for a 57.7-percent second-half shooting percentage.
Elzie led UH Hilo with 23 points followed by 15 points from Kalique Mitchell and 11 points by Amiri Crowder off the bench.
The Division-I Rainbow Warriors won the rebound battle 41-29, and capitalized with 15 second-chance points.
UH Manoa shot 50.0 percent with nine 3-pointers.
UH-Hilo remained at 3-2 overall as UH Manoa moved to 1-0 on the season. The contest counted as an exhibition for the Vulcans while it was the official season opener for the Rainbow Warriors.
The Vulcans will continue on O’ahu to start up Pacific West Conference play Thursday, Nov. 16 at Chaminade.
First home match is set for Saturday, Nov. 25 against Northwest Indian College at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium with a 7 p.m. tip-off following the Vulcans Women’s Basketball matchup set for 5 p.m.
Before the home opener, Hilo fans will have the opportunity to see the team in action at Vulcan Madness set for Sunday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. in the on-campus Vulcan Gymnasium. Fans will be treated to contests, giveaways and fun for all ages.
Single-game and season tickets are now available to be purchased online through UH-Hilo Vulcans Athletics’ recently launched online ticket platform in partnership with AudienceView Campus.
The 2023-24 slate will feature 28 total home contests at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium with a package price of $130 for adults and $65 for seniors (ages 65-plus) and middle/high school students.
Both can be accessed at HiloAthletics.com/tickets.