If there were any doubt about the high standards set for the 2022-23 University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team, look no further than Thursday night’s 87-71 exhibition victory over visiting UH-Hilo.
Despite hot shooting (61 percent from the field, including 46 percent from 3-point range) and comfortable leads of 45-32 at halftime and 54-34 early into the second period, the Warriors were disappointed by several defensive lapses and a 30-30 deadlock in the rebounding column, and especially a 13-7 deficit on the offensive glass.
“We put an emphasis on defense, and we didn’t do that — me included, starting with me,” said UH guard Noel Coleman, who scored a game-high 24 points including six 3-pointers on eight attempts.