The University of Hawaii should really do something special for everyone who showed up at Aloha Stadium for its football game Saturday against Tulane. As one observer said, "These people are hard-core. This is the true fan base."

Loyalty like this should be rewarded. The two free tacos is a nice start. Now get a laser from the science lab and cut the game ball into 21,542 pieces, one for every fan who stuck by the Warriors as they withstood lousy weather and a world of negativity, and beat the Green Wave 35-23 (for those wondering, UH didn’t cover the spread, halftime or game).

I know a season-ticket holder who came to the game, but his wife stayed home to clean the kitchen. And his son stayed home to do homework, instead.

You could count the number of people in the student section. There were 35 there when the game started. And at least three were actually students.

Jim Lujan, Daniel Maglilulo and Mark Silverstein — UH students who were friends of Warriors backup quarterback Cayman Shutter at Punahou School — sat surrounded by a sea of orange, wet, empty seats in Section PP. The previous night they were among the horde of fans rooting for the Buffanblu in the state high school championship game. Across the field, the sideline stands were full of Kahuku fans.

The turnstiles clicked just a few more times Saturday for UH than Friday for the preps: 20,058 to see the championship doubleheader the night before.

To Lujan, the Warriors crowd seemed smaller. Maybe it was the energy level.

"It’s a little discouraging," said Lujan, his voice hoarse from cheering for his alma mater the previous night. "But it could be worse. I’ve been coming to UH games since I was in elementary school, so I know what it’s like to go 0-12."

Lujan remembers the first game of this season, when Hawaii beat Colorado and students crowded the section. Back then, hopes were high for a team that was picked to win the WAC. Back before a spate of injuries, before six losses, before a point-shaving allegation was revealed last week.

"I feel like if it is true, and I really hope it isn’t, then it’s really unfair to all these aunties and uncles who come out," the sophomore business major said. "It’s unfair to cheat the people who come out to support you. The way I see it, the people who are here are the real loyal ones."

"The last game was kind of disappointing," Maglilulo said. "The point-spread thing? I don’t know how much you can take that seriously."

Added Silverstein, "Until there’s proof, there’s really nothing. Up to now it’s just angry gamblers."

Steve Campbell of Waipahu has been a UH fan for more than 30 years.

"I think (the point-shaving allegation) is unfounded. I give them the benefit of the doubt," Campbell said. "My thoughts are that they have great talent, but I don’t think the coaching’s brought the talent together.

"They give us something to be proud of and something to gripe about," the 54-year-old Navy contractor and long-time season-ticket holder said. "I put two kids through UH. One of them, Craig, is with me tonight. He looks at the student section and shakes his head. We’re just UH football fans. I love the program. I’ve always loved the program."

Nicole McMinamin and Sara Saucedo both wore No. 17 jerseys — the number of injured quarterback Bryant Moniz.

"Just a sign of support," said McMinamin, who has been a UH fan since she moved from the mainland three years ago. "And it’s always better to watch a football game live than on TV. Always. No matter who’s playing."

I asked four-year season-ticket holder Mac Myers for his thoughts on the sparseness of the crowd.

"Let’s see. It’s raining, Moniz is out, the team is losing … and Heinekens are $8.50.

"Nah, nah," he quickly added, laughing and taking another swig.

"You gotta be loyal and true. We don’t have an NFL team."

What about the allegation, rumors, speculation … whatever you want to call it … about point-shaving?

"Hawaii’s the only place you could get away with it because we let them. Because it’s all we got, we stand behind them no matter what. We don’t have anything to fall back on," Myers said.

Yes, it sounds right. Game ball to the Warriors in the stands Saturday. Despite it all, they showed up.

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Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783.