Don’t go trying to sell Utah Valley short to Eran Ganot.
That’s a good basketball team, the Hawaii coach said, so to beat the Wolverines is a matter worth celebrating.
Sheriff Drammeh hit a 3-pointer with 38 seconds left to give his team the lead for good Sunday night, and the Rainbow Warriors held on for a 70-69 victory at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu.
“I love our passion,” Ganot said. “Our guys played their hearts out.”
Drammeh scored a game-high 20 points, making four 3-pointers.
His biggest came after Zach Nelson’s jumper gave Utah Valley State a 68-67 lead with 48 seconds remaining.
Drammeh answered with a 3-pointer. Nelson was fouled on the other end and made a free throw, but he missed a second that could have tied the game on the other end.
Gibson Johnson finished with 15 points for Hawaii (7-2) and Ganot lauded the play of Brocke Stepteau, who added seven points and seven assists.
“There are a lot of ways to impact the game, and he impacts the game,” Ganot said. “A lot of our guys are getting better, and he made big plays down the stretch.
“Just really proud of our guys. That’s our best win of the year. That’s a really good team.”
The Wolverines, who were led by Jake Toolson’s 18 points, play in the Western Athletic Conference.
This was the first meeting between the teams.
Wahine win
Senior guard Sarah Toeaina and junior guard Tia Kanoa each scored 14 points as the Hawaii women’s basketball team came from behind for a 65-60 nonconference victory over host Arizona today in Tucson, Ariz.
Sophomore forward Makenna Woodfolk added 12 points and sophomore guard Julissa Tago 11, including nine on three of the seven 3-pointers, for the Rainbow Wahine (6-4) who opened up a three-game road trip with a key victory.
Sophomore guard Lucia Alonza finished with a game-high 21 points and freshman forward Sam Thomas had 13 for the Wildcats (3-7) at the McKale Center.
Hawaii trailed 58-46 with 6:35 left in the game before mounting an impressive rally. The Wahine scored 17 unanswered points over the next 6:18 in taking a 63-58 lead with 17 seconds to go.
