HOUSTON » As every cornerback knows, breaking up is hard to do.

Out on a so-called "island," Hawaii cornerback Dee Maggitt knows — and embraces — the challenge of breaking up passes.

In Saturday’s 28-14 loss to Rice, Maggitt was the lone defender on a 50-yard play that set up the go-ahead touchdown.

"Nine times out of 10, I have it covered," Maggitt said. "It was that one time. … I’m learning more and more, sometimes 90 (percent) isn’t enough. You have to be 100 percent."

UH coach Norm Chow noted big plays are a collaborative breakdown. Still, Maggitt said, "It was 14-14. I have to make the play."

Rice wideout Mario Hull, who got a step separation on Maggitt on a go route, hauled in the long pass, leading to running back Darik Dillard’s 4-yard scoring rush with 4:18 to play.

"I had him covered the whole game," Maggitt said. "I had him bottled up. That one was the one that got me."

Maggitt did not appear to make any technical mistakes. Hull just ran the route quicker.

"I have to get stronger as the game goes on," said Maggitt, a fifth-year senior. "If the game calls for you to be 100 percent to win, that has to happen. I can’t be anything less."

Maggitt said he wanted to do well for the several teammates who played through injuries.

"I feel horrible," Maggitt said. "My team battled hard. I saw a lot of guys go down and go back into the game. They really wanted to get this win. This is a game we should have won. It shouldn’t have been that close. … If it calls for us to win a close game, it’s up to me to hold up my end of the bargain."

Maggitt also was the defender on Rice’s suspense-ending touchdown with 12 seconds left. The Warriors were in run support with the expectation the Owls would drain the clock.

"I was too worried about us stopping the run," Maggitt said. "That (31-yard scoring pass) was the last thing I expected. I wouldn’t say they caught me off guard. It was my fault for assuming. You know what they said when you assume."

The Warriors completed their nonconference schedule at 1-4. Three losses were by single-digit margins.

"I feel we should be, at the worst, 4-1," Maggitt said. "Based on plays we have to make — I have to make, personally — it sucks. We’re right there. Every time we’re right there. and every time we don’t make that one play."