Petras Balocka had 19 points, 12 rebounds and six assists to lead Hawaii to an 84-71 win over College of Charleston Tuesday in a Diamond Head Classic first-round game.
The Rainbow Warriors (6-4) shot 60 percent (29 of 48) from the field, including 5 of 7 on 3-point attempts. The Cougars (5-5) just shot 37 percent (28 of 75) from the field and 25.9 percent (7 of 27) from 3-point range, but stayed in the game because they committed only five turnovers to Hawaii's 20.
Hawaii led 40-27 at halftime and opened the second half on a 12-4 run to take a 52-31 lead with 14:44 to play. Charleston closed within 65-62 with 4:01 remaining before the Warriors scored six straight points to put the game out of reach.
Hiram Thompson scored 15 points and Dwain Williams added 11 for Hawaii.
Charleston's Andrew Goudelock led all players with 29 points on 12-of-29 shooting.
