After its first Mainland road trip resulting in close losses at tough environments, the University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team returns home to face Texas A&M – Corpus Christi in nonconference action Saturday night.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center, with the game being televised live statewide on Spectrum OC Channel 12 and broadcast live via radio on ESPN 1420AM.
The Warriors are 5-3 coming off last week’s defeats at Grand Canyon (78-72) and Long Beach State (76-68). The visiting Islanders come in at 6-4 after a 64-48 home victory over Stephen F. Austin last Saturday.
“It was good to go on the road and get experience — good and bad,” UH coach Eran Ganot said. “It can help us if we use it right. You’ve seen a team that has shown flashes in every game, we’ve had double-digit stretches in a positive way, but we’ve had some things go away from us, too. So we’re finding consistency … There are some things we can build off of, and certain things that we’ve been exposed on and will continue to attack.”
One thing to build off is senior guard Marcus Greene, who has earned a starting position after showing consistent scoring ability off the bench. Greene scored 17 points in each of last week’s games, finishing drives with impressive shot-making layups or short jumpers.
“My mindset is always the same: to give it my all, win, and do it together as a team,” said Greene, who transferred from Houston Christian last summer. “So whatever way that is — coming off the bench or being a starter, it’s the same mindset. I’m just gonna do the things I always do.”
In Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s recent win over SFA, forward Garry Clark, a 6-foot-8 senior, led the way with 15 points and 12 rebounds, and 6-8 junior forward Owen Dease added 10 points, four boards and three assists.
Although fans here may not be familiar with that program, Ganot said the Islanders are legit and need to be taken seriously.
“If not for one loss that didn’t go their way, they might be coming in here with a sux-game winning streak,” Ganot said. “It’s gonna be a heckuva challenge, and we’re very fortunate to get that kind of challenge.”