Full Breakdown
Hawaii Men's Basketball Dominates Manhattan in Rainbow Classic
11/16/2025, 3:04:53 PM
Game Overview: Hawaii vs. Manhattan
The University of Hawaii men's basketball team achieved a decisive victory over Manhattan, winning 86-56 during the second round of the OUTRIGGER Rainbow Classic held at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. This win marks the third consecutive home victory for the Rainbow Warriors, setting the stage for a potential second straight Rainbow Classic title as they prepare to face Utah Tech in the tournament finale.
Key Player Performance: Isaac Johnson
Senior center Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson was instrumental in the victory, scoring a career-high 25 points and securing 11 rebounds. Johnson's performance was particularly notable in the second half, where he scored 20 of his points, showcasing his ability to shoot from long range and finish strong at the rim. He celebrated his successful plays with his signature “Big Fish Chomp” gesture, which has become a crowd favorite since his time at Utah State.
Game Dynamics and Statistics
Hawaii established control early in the game, quickly building a lead after Manhattan scored first. The Rainbow Warriors went on a 12-1 run, forcing Manhattan to miss 10 of their first 11 shots. By halftime, Hawaii led 38-24, having limited Manhattan to just 32.1% shooting. In the second half, Hawaii continued to dominate, outscoring Manhattan 48-32. The Rainbow Warriors excelled on the boards, out-rebounding the Jaspers 49-29 and converting 15 offensive rebounds into 18 second-chance points.
Team Contributions
In addition to Johnson, Isaac Finlinson contributed significantly with 14 points, including 11 in the second half. Dre Bullock added nine points and four assists, playing a crucial role in the first half to help build the lead. Hawaii's defense was effective, particularly against Manhattan's guards, holding them to a combined 4-for-23 shooting performance.
Official Statements & Responses
Hawaii head coach Eran Ganot praised his team's defensive efforts, stating, “Our point-of-attack defense has been incredible at the guard position.” He emphasized the importance of making the opposing team work for their shots, which contributed to their success. Conversely, Manhattan coach John Gallagher acknowledged the challenges posed by Hawaii's length and defensive strategy, noting, “Their length, I thought, bothered us. They’re a great team.”
What's Next: Tournament Finale
The OUTRIGGER Rainbow Classic will conclude on November 15, with Hawaii facing Utah Tech in the final game of the tournament. Utah Tech advanced after a double-overtime victory against Mississippi Valley State, setting up an exciting matchup for the Rainbow Warriors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s kind of a staple from when I was at Utah State with the crowd,” — Isaac Johnson, Senior Center
- “You can’t rebound a turnover.” — Eran Ganot, Head Coach
- “We just have to stay poised around the rim. We didn’t do enough poise. We rushed a lot of shots around the rim.” — John Gallagher, Manhattan Coach
This comprehensive performance by Hawaii not only highlights their capabilities as a team but also sets a promising tone for the upcoming challenges in the tournament.