The University of Hawai’i basketball team opened its 2022-23 season with a closer-than-it-looked 72-54 victory over Mississippi Valley State.
A crowd of 3,445 at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center watched the Rainbow Warriors rally from a deficit in the second half. It was also the opening night of the Outrigger Rainbow Classic.
Noel Coleman scored 22 points, including 5-of-10 shooting from 3-point range, to lead the Warriors. Samuta Avea added 20 points, and Bernardo da Silva posted a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.
A 3-pointer by Avea gave the Warriors a 26-16 lead with 4:37 remaining in the first half, but the Delta Devils rallied with a 10-2 surge.