UH opens Arnold Era with two wins

By Fred Guzman

It’s a new era for Hawaii hoops with coach Gib Arnold trying to turn around a program that managed just 10 wins last season. But, ironically, it’s a pair of returning players led the way for the overhauled team’s pair of victories under the new regime.

On Friday, point guard Hiram Thompson scored a career-high 21 points in a 77-59 victory over Montana State. The 6-3 senior made eight of nine shots, including a trio of three-pointers.

Freshman guard Bo Barnes provided a boost off the bench with 19 points, going 5-for-9 from behind the arc, while JC transfer Joston Thomas added 18 points and nine rebounds.

The Bows, who put the game away with a 21-2 run early in the second half, hit 10 of 23 from behind the arc.

On Saturday, senior forward Bill Amis scored a career-high 24 points on 10-for-13 shooting to lead four Rainbows in double figures for a 84-70 victory over Cal State Fullerton.

Thompson added 18 points, including nine during a decisive 14-0 run in the final 3:12 after the Titans had tied the game with 3:39 left. Thompson also had seven assists with just one turnover.

Barnes added 19, going 5-for-9 on treys, and junior transfer Zane Johnson finished with 13 points.

The Rainbow Classic concludes very late tonight with Hawaii facing Central Michigan at 11 p.m. The game will be televised as part of ESPN’s College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon.