Johnson’s free throw accuracy helps Rainbow Warriors beat HPU

RELATED PHOTO GALLERY In the final session of every practice, the University of Hawaii basketball team seeks perfection in free-throw drills.

Practice made perfect for center Isaac “Big Fish ” Johnson, who hit all 10 of his free throws while amassing 16 points in the Rainbow Warriors’ 88-76 victory over Hawaii Pacific at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on Monday night.

A crowd of 2, 034 saw Johnson, a 7-foot transfer from Utah State, tie the school record with his 34th consecutive free throw.

In all, the’Bows drew 26 fouls—including two technicals—and hit 32 of 39 free throws. The Sharks were 12-for-20 from the line.

“The other guy to (hit 34 in a row ) was my good friend and (former UH ) teammate Brock Stepteau, ” said UH assistant coach Gibson Johnson, who was the point man in recruiting Johnson. “He’s in good company. He steps up in big moments for us, and makes big plays. We trust everybody to make free throws. We did a great job tonight, our bigs especially. Gytis (Nemeiksa ) made’em. Harry (Rouhliadeff ) made’em. I’m really proud of them.”

The Sharks closed to 51-50 when Joshua West buried a 3 with 13 :11 to play.

On HPU’s next possession, West drove the lane. But Johnson rejected West’s shot attempt.

“Winning plays like that—blocks, steals—that’s what shifts the game, ” said Nemeiksa, a senior forward who made his third consecutive start. “That’s what gives us the power and the strength to win the game.”

HPU coach Jesse Nakanishi was called for a technical for vehemently arguing that West was fouled on the block. Johnson hit the two free throws for the technical to increase the’Bows’ lead to 53-50.

On the extended possession, Johnson was fouled. His two free throws widened the’Bows’ advantage to five points. The’Bows would score the next nine points—seven on free throws—for a 64-50 cushion. The Sharks missed six shots during that drought.

“At the end of the day, it was the toughness inside and not having enough resistance inside, ” Nakanishi said of the’Bows’ 44-32 advantage in paint points. The Sharks also missed half of their 26 layups.

But the disparity in free throws, Nakanishi said, “that’s just insurmountable in any level of basketball. And, sure enough, it turned out that way. … Their size took over a little bit. And they were aggressive and, you know, refs reward aggressiveness.”

The’Bows had to deal with foul trouble—wing Isaac Finlinson and post Rouhliadeff finished with four fouls—and depth concerns. Post player Jalen Myers was held out of the game for not following a team rule. Myers is expected to be available for Friday’s game against North Dakota.

But Rouhliadeff, who missed the previous two games after being shaken up during an inadvertent on-court collision, returned to the active roster. Rouhliadeff scored 14 points and matched Nemeiksa’s eight rebounds.

“I think we were more aggressive around the basket, ” Nemeiksa said, referencing the’Bows’ 15 offensive rebounds and 17 second-chance points. “It was two teams fighting. I think we were fighting more.”

As for the return of Rouhliadeff, Nemeiksa said, “it’s really great. He’s a great player. He’s one of the leaders. He always talks It’s really good to have him on the floor. It’s easier to play with him.”