It was a comeback for the ages last night at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, as the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team rallied from an early 19-2 deficit to beat the UC Santa Barbara, 65-62.

Guard Junior Madut led the Rainbow Warriors with 16 points and nine rebounds, and forward Kamaka Hepa scored all 13 of his points in the second half – including four three-pointers. For the Gauchos, All-Big West forward Amadou Sow put in another big performance with a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Hawaii improved to 11-5 overall and, more importantly, a perfect 6-0 in the Big West Conference. With Cal State Fullerton’s loss earlier in the evening, the Rainbow Warriors are now in sole possession of first place in the Big West.

New UH head football coach Timmy Chang made an appearance at the game and received a rousing welcome by the home fans.

Here are some photos of last night’s game courtesy of David Croxford:

And here are game photos from Jarin Kobashigawa:

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