In a thrilling Mountain West men’s basketball match-up between Hawaii and Grand Canyon, the Rainbow Warriors staged a remarkable comeback from an 18-point deficit only to fall short in a 78-72 loss. Despite Gytis Nemeiksa scoring a career-high 24 points off the bench and Marcus Greene adding 17, Grand Canyon managed to secure the victory with guard Tyon Grant-Foster leading the way with 23 points. The Antelopes hit crucial free throws in the final minutes to hold off Hawaii’s late surge.
The game saw momentum swings, with Hawaii shooting exceptionally well in the second half after a sluggish start. Facing a tough Grand Canyon defense that forced turnovers and built a significant lead, Hawaii fought back with Nemeiksa and Greene leading the charge off the bench. Although Tanner Christensen struggled, the Rainbow Warriors managed to reduce the deficit through effective ball movement and sharp shooting.
Despite the loss, Hawaii’s resilience and strong second-half performance leave room for optimism as they prepare for an early Big West opener against Long Beach State. The game marked the first meeting between the programs, with both teams set to join the Mountain West in the future. Grand Canyon’s lively arena atmosphere, featuring the enthusiastic Havocs student section, added to the intensity of the contest.
Overall, the game showcased the talent and determination of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting future rivalry as they transition to the competitive Mountain West conference. Hawaii’s spirited effort in the face of adversity bodes well for their upcoming matchups as they aim to build on their early-season successes.
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