PAUL SAKUMA / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
Hawaii team celebrated after winning in the Big West title and earning a guarantee berth in the NCAA Tournament with a victory over UC Irvine on Saturday at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, Nev.
HENDERSON, NEV. >> Coach Eran Ganot, his cheeks spiced with the salt of his tears, said softly, “I just want to hug everyone.”
Center Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson embraced his wife, Audrah.
Quandre “Dre” Bullock, the wing with the 44 1/2-inch vertical jump, was soaring with emotion.
“I don’t know what to say, I don’t know how to feel,” Bullock said softly.
The Hawaii team, led by a head coach whose contract expires April 30 and with one of the nation’s oldest rosters, is going to the Big Dance.
The Rainbow Warriors held off UC Irvine 71-64 in today’s championship game of the Big West Tournament to earn the accompanying berth in the NCAA Tournament. Their destination will be announced during Sunday’s selection show.
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A week earlier, the Rainbows missed a chance to earn a share of the regular-season title when they lost to Long Beach State on senior night.
But according to captain Harry Rouhliadeff, that sparked renewed determination. The ’Bows, who earned two byes into the semifinal, defeated Cal State Fullerton on Friday, setting up the showdown against top seed UC Irvine.
Johnson hit two key 3s and slammed two dunks in amassing 22 points. Bullock helped contain the Anteaters to five 3s while providing a windmill dunk. And Rouhliadeff grabbed 12 rebounds, scored 15 workmanlike points and neutralized UCI’s interior game.
This will be the ’Bows’ first NCAA appearance since 2016, Ganot’s first season as head coach.