Clutch free-throw shooting helps UH hold off CSUN

On a wet night in Southern California, the Hawaii men’s basketball team weathered a frenetic Cal State Northridge comeback attempt for an 84-79 road victory on Thursday before 815 in the Matadome.

“The good thing is we play an indoor sport,” said head coach Eran Ganot, whose Rainbow Warriors won their fifth in a row to improve to 11-5 overall and 2-0 in the Big West. This was their first true road victory. In November, the ’Bows defeated Utah in the Wooden Legacy in Fullerton, Calif.

“This was a step in the right direction for our group,” Ganot said.

The ’Bows faced the league’s high-scoring duo in Lamine Diane, a 6-foot-7 post from Senegal, and 5-8 guard Terrell Gomez, last year’s Big West Freshman of the Year. Diane, who redshirted last year, produced 28 points and 16 rebounds. Gomez hit seven 3s and finished with 30 points. Diane, Gomez and Rodney “Rocket” Henderson combined to score 69 of the Matadors’ 79 points.

“That’s a credit to them and their ability to make tough shots,” Ganot said. “Our guys weathered that, too. Sometimes it can deflate you, but our guys hung in there and made good plays, big plays.”

The ’Bows’ 28th — and final — field goal came with 4:16 to play, providing a 73-63 cushion.

But the Matadors stormed back, closing to 78-76 on Gomez’s 3-pointer with 18 seconds left, and then 80-79 on another Gomez trey with 13 seconds to play.

The ’Bows then fed reserve Samuta Avea, who was fouled by Gomez. Avea’s two free throws extended the ’Bows’ lead to 82-79 with 5 seconds to go.

After a UH timeout, it appeared the Matadors plotted to set up Diane. It was renewed life for Diane, who was initially called for a fifth foul 10 seconds earlier, only to have referee re-assign the infraction to Henderson. But UH forward Jack Purchase seized possession, and was fouled with “0.6” on the scoreboard. Purchase made the two free throws to close the scoring.

“Six for six down the stretch,” Ganot said, referring to the ’Bows’ free throws in the final 17 seconds. The ’Bows also were efficient, turning the ball over only seven times.

“We took care of the ball on the road, which really helps,” Ganot said. “We weathered some unbelievable shooting from Northridge, especially in late to get a big road win.”

Eddie Stansberry, a 6-3 guard who transferred from City College of San Francisco this past summer, led the ’Bows with 25 points. He drained four 3s. He also hit three of four free throws after the Matadors cut the deficit to 75-71.

“He continues to come on,” Ganot said of Stansberry. “Like everything, it’s always a team effort. Different guys gave us different things.”

Avea came off the bench to score 11 points in 12 minutes. Mate Colina helped seal the post in the final minute. And Zigmars Raimo contributed 21 points, 11 rebounds and gritty defense in 27 minutes. Twice Raimo hobbled to the sideline with an apparent injury. Twice he sprinted back onto the court.

“Let’s just say he’s really tough,” Ganot said of Raimo. “No surprise about that. He’s incredibly tough.”