Hawaii Hoops Opens Season with Rainbow Classic

Hawaii to open 2012 hoop season Friday against Maryland-Eastern Shore. File photo courtesy of UH Athletics.

By Rodney S. Yap

The University of Hawai’i Rainbow Warrior basketball team tips off its 2012-13 campaign with the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic, Nov. 9, 11 and 12 at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Third-year head coach Gib Arnold leads the Rainbow Warriors into battle as they host the 48th edition of the tournament. The prestigious tournament returns after a one-year hiatus.

This will mark the third year of the four-team, round-robin format with the Rainbow Warriors winning in the last Classic in 2010 with a perfect 3-0 mark.
Fans got their first look at this year’s squad during a 75-67 exhibition win over Hawaii Pacific on Friday, Nov. 2. Nebraska transfer Christian Standhardinger led the way with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Now the regular season begins for a squad that boasts four returning letter winners, three returning redshirts and eight newcomers.
The tournament begins on Friday, Nov. 9 as Arkansas-Pine Bluff takes on Houston Baptist at 4:30 p.m. followed by  Hawai’i against Maryland-Eastern Shore at 7 p.m.
The tournament concludes on Monday with a nationally televised game between UH and Houston Baptist as part of ESPN’s College Hoops Tip-off Marathon. It will be a UH “Blackout” as all fans are encouraged to wear black for the 11 p.m. tip off.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Rainbow Classic Schedule
Friday, Nov. 9
Houston Baptist vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 4:30 p.m.
Hawai’i vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 11
Houston Baptist vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore, 2:30 p.m.
Hawai’i vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 5:00 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 12
Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 4:00 p.m.
Hawai’i vs. Houston Baptist, 11:00 p.m. (ESPN)

Game 1 Tipoff Notes
What: Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Rainbow Classic
Who: Hawai’i (0-0, 0-0 Big West) vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore (0-0, 0-0 MEAC)
When: Friday, Nov. 9, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m. HT
Where: Stan Sheriff Center (10,300) – Honolulu, HI
Television: Live statewide on OCSports – Channels 16 (SD) and 1016 (HD). Howard Dashefsky (play-by-play) Tony Sellitto (color) and Artie Wilson (color) on the call.
Streaming Video: Live video streaming is available on ocsports.tv.
Live Stats: Live in-game stats are available at HawaiiAthletics.com
Ticket Information: $26 (lower); $18 (upper-adult); $16 (upper-sr. citizen); $5 (upper-youth, ages 4-HS); UH Manoa students free with validated ID. Parking $6.
Promotions: Outrigger Hotels and Resorts will distribute 1,000 reusable tote bags and award up to $2,000 in the “Shoot for Loot” halftime promotion at each UH game. It’s a “Blackout” on Monday and fans are encouraged to wear black shirts during its nationally televised game vs.  Houston Baptist. All seats are general admission that night.
Coaches: Arnold is in his third year at UH (35-29). Frankie Allen is in his fourth season at UMES (34-89) and 23rd season overall (257-383).
Series Information: First-ever m