Despite slow start, Thomas, Hawaii beat D-II Hawaii Hilo

HONOLULU -- Mike Thomas and Drew Buggs scored 13 points apiece to help Hawaii pull away, after a slow start, to beat Division II Hawaii Hilo 82-64 on Saturday night.

Buggs, a redshirt freshman, has scored in double figures in each of the last three games after totaling 17 points in the first five games of the season. Sheriff Drammeh added 12 points, Jack Purchase scored 10 and Brocke Stepteau had nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range for Hawaii (6-2).

Hawaii missed its first seven field-goal attempts but still scored the first seven points as the Vulcans were scoreless for the six minutes, 57 seconds. Trey Ingram hit a jumper to pull Hawaii Hilo within two points midway through the first half, but Thomas scored nine points during a 17-2 run that made it 28-11. The Rainbow Warriors led by 19 at the break and by at least 17 throughout the second half.

Ingram led the Vulcans with 14 points and five assists.

The Rainbow Warriors scored 25 points off 15 Hawaii Hilo turnovers and outscored the Vulcans 38-18 in the paint.