Even with its head coach out on medical leave and a backcourt suddenly thinned by injury, Hawai’i showed that things are still business as usual in Friday night’s definitive 65-52 season-opening victory over visiting Florida A & M in the 55th Annual Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic.
An appreciative Stan Sheriff Center crowd of about 3,200 (5,093 tickets issued) watched Samuta Avea score 15 points and grab nine rebounds, Bernardo Da Silva add 11 points, seven boards and two blocks, and Zigmars Raimo finish with 10 points and five boards in the Warriors’ 100th season opener.
Drew Buggs added nine points, seven boards and five assists as UH won despite the absence of head coach Eran Ganot, who is on indefinite medical leave, and backup point guard Justin Webster, who is nursing an ankle injury.