Over the weekend, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team unleashed a dominant performance against Pomona-Pitzer in an exhibition game, cruising to a 101-51 victory at the Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. According to Hawaii Athletics, the Rainbow Warriors showcased precision and teamwork, with an impressive field goal rate of 59.7% and assisting on 23 of their 40 made baskets. Isaac Johnson and Dre Bullock led the scoreboard with 18 points each, as they shot a combined 14-for-16 from the field.
The game, which was free to attend, seemed to be as much about basketball as it was about the milestones off the court. Tanner Cuff, who just embraced fatherhood with the birth of his daughter Halo, filled the stats with eight points, a team-high eight rebounds, and seven assists. "It was just the most unreal experience, special experience, and the team is all super supportive, and it's been great to just have her," Cuff told Spectrum Local News, expressing gratitude for his team's and family's support. The Rainbow Warriors, with a revamped lineup that includes eight newcomers, displayed a remarkable cohesion that seems promising for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Back in the game, Harry Rouhliadeff, Hunter Erickson, Isaac Finlinson, and Jalen Myers were among the others on UH who scored in double digits. UH's aggressive opening in the second half extended their lead substantially, leaving Pomona-Pitzer struggling to keep up. While Hawai'i flourished inside the arc with a 72% success rate, their three-point shooting lagged at 28.6%, something the team might look to improve before the regular season kicks off.
As for Cuff, his role as the "glue guy" was emphasized by his cohesion with teammates, many of which he had played with in prior years. "He's a great point guard. He was my point guard seven years ago in high school, and so it's a joy to be back here playing with him. And I know that he's he knows the game so well to be able to know when to score, when to take it," Isaac Johnson said, as noted by Spectrum Local News. The Rainbow Warriors are slated for their second exhibition game on October 26 against Chaminade, aiming to integrate their injured players back into practice sessions before then.
Coach Eran Ganot praised Cuff's performance and handling of new fatherhood, "He had an awesome game," and "it is kind of indicative of what you'll see from him. … He's a guy who can fill the box score. We know that, and he's fun to play with. He's gonna be … a big leader for our team," as mentioned by Spectrum Local News. With an aim to optimize their roster dynamics, UH is looking to bring their A-game for the forthcoming regular season, which begins on November 4 at Oregon.
