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GAME DAY BLOG: Hawaii gets first win at San Diego State since 1988

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VICTOR M. POSADAS / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER

University of Hawaii linebacker Scheyenne Sanitoa celebrates with defensive Linesman Kendall Hune tonight.

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VICTOR M. POSADAS / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER

University of Hawaii wide receiver Jason-Matthew Sharsh hauls in a pass during tonight’s game.

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VICTOR M. POSADAS / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER

University of Hawaii quarterback Cole McDonald scores a touchdown past San Diego State safety Parker Baldwin.

9:05 p.m.

Hawaii stops San Diego’s two-point attempt in OT to win, 31-30

Hawaii took a 31-24 lead in overtime on Cole McDonald’s 10-yard pass to JoJo Ward.

Read the game recap here.

8:45 p.m.

John Baron II misses a 32-yard field goal as time expired to force overtime.

8:20 p.m.

Backup QB Ryan Agnew tosses a 13-yard scoring pass to fullback Isaac Lessard to tie it at 24 with 6:07 to play.

7:35 p.m.

One of the league’s best kickers — SDSU’s John Baron II — connects from 53 yards. UH still leads 24-17 with 10:29 left in the third quarter.

7 p.m.

Thanks to Cole McDonald, the Warriors take a 24-14 lead into the intermission.

McDonald, who grew up an hour north of San Diego, was 20 of 26 for 326 yards and two touchdowns in the first half He also scored on a 1-yard keeper. His first-half QB rating was 207.6.

UH’s defense has made two fourth-down stops.

6:50 p.m.

Cole McDonald is seizing the night.

In the first half, he is 19 of 24 for 320 yards and two touchdowns. He also has scored on a 1-yard keeper. UH up 24-14 with 1:19 left.

6:35 p.m.

Cole McDonald takes control, throwing passes of 37 yards to Cedric Byrd and 45 yards to JoJo Ward to set up his 1-yard keeper for touchdown and a 17-14 lead with 5:11 left in the first half.

6:30 p.m.

On fourth-and-inches from UH 4, there’s confusion within SDSU’s offense, leaving quarterback Christian Chapman. UH’s Penei Pavihi tackles Chapman for no gain. UH takes over with 8:36 left in the first half.

6:15 p.m.

Hawaii closes to 14-10 on Cole McDonald’s 2-yard scoring pass to Elijah Dale with 14:52 left in the first half.

The play was set up on a pass interference call against SDSU.

6 p.m.

Aztecs forced a fumble on a punt return, gaining possession on the UH 5 and leading to another one-play TD drive. Aztecs lead 14-3 with 5:20 left in the first quarter.

5:50 p.m.

Aztecs take 12 seconds to take 7-3 lead on Christian Chapman’s 76-yard TD pass to Fred Trevillion.

5:45 p.m.

Two surprises to start the game: UH wins the coin toss, then elects to defer.

And then John Ursua starts at “quarterback,” aligning as the wildcat. Cole McDonald then comes in and leads an 80-yard drive that ends with Ryan Meskell’s 22-yard field goal.

Pregame

It’s a beautiful night in Mission Valley, where the Warriors and Aztecs meet in a game televised on ESPNU.

First, relax. Unless ESPN decides to become a non-profit, the Warriors will be playing in the Dec. 22 Hawaii Bowl.

Here’s the skinny on the Aztecs:

> The Aztecs are 17 1/2-point favorites despite only one double-digit victory this season — 28-14 over FCS member Sacramento State.

> Christian Chapman, who will start tonight, is the winningest Aztec QB (24-9 when he starts).

> Linebacker Kyhava Tezino is a consideration for Mountain West defensive player of the year.

> If it’s close late, John Baron II will get the call. He’s kicked three game-winning field goals this season.

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