Box Score Honolulu, Hawaii - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions fell to the University of Hawaii 82-70 in its season opener in the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center. UAPB was led by Martaveous McKnight who finished with a game-high 25 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field, including three 3-pointers. McKnight also went nearly perfect from the charity stripe, knocking down 8-of-9 free throws and grabbing four boards in the loss.

Tip-off was nearly at midnight central standard time, but the Golden Lions did not seem bothered as it kept it close during the first half, but Hawaii extended its single-digit lead to 10 points at the half thanks to scoring a total of 32 points in the paint to only 10 for UAPB. Hawaii was led by a trio of double-digit scorers in Gibson Johnson (19 pts.), Mike Thomas (19 pts.) and Jack Purchase (18 pts.).

The Golden Lions (0-1) improved on the defensive end in the second half, holding Hawaii to just 36 points. UAPB sharp-shooter Toliver Joe'Randle finished with a game-high five 3-pointers in just 17 minutes of action while his team shot 39 percent from behind the arc. In the end, the difference in the game came down to foul shots. UAPB had a better free throw percentage, nailing 18-of-24 (75 percent) from the charity stripe while its opponent enjoyed shooting a whopping 42 free throws, making 28 of them (67 percent).

The Golden Lions return to action on Sunday, November 12 for its second game in the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic, this time against Troy University. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. (central time).



*photo cred* UH Sports Media Relations