The Hawaii men’s basketball team could not overcome a sluggish effort on Saturday night, losing 63-56 to Pepperdine at the Stan Sheriff Center.

UH shot 33.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from the free-throw line, dropping to 4-3 with its second straight loss.

The Rainbow Warriors trailed by eight at halftime but caught the Waves (6-3) at 38-all. The hosts never could take the lead, however, in the second half, and Pepperdine of the West Coast Conference made key shots late in the shot clock, as well as late free throws.

Junior forward Christian Standhardinger led UH with 14 points and 10 rebounds, but missed two shots in the final minute that would have brought UH within a possession of the Waves.

Freshman Isaac Fotu added 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while senior center Vander Joaquim had 10 points and eight boards. Senior point guard Jace Tavita had a career-best nine points and four assists, but UH got little production from wing players Hauns Brereton and Brandon Spearman.