Texas Arlington at Hawaii

Hawaii has opened with two wins that could hardly look less alike. The first was a 74-73 escape over Seattle U, decided by a Jaden Matingou jumper with about a second left. The second was a 116-44 rout of Bethesda that set a school record for margin of victory. Hawaii is working in 13 newcomers around returning guards Tanner Cuff and Isaiah Kerr, and the Bethesda game shows what that group looks like once it settles. A 20-0 run built a 61-21 halftime lead, Hawaii shot 22-of-38 in that half, and Bethesda went 8-of-28. The Rainbow Warriors turned it over six times early and still led 31-13 with 7:18 left in the half. They also won the first-half rebounding 29-11 and finished with 26 assists. Zack Davidson led with 20, Bol Dengdit added a double-double, Cuff and Chance Trujillo each scored 14, and Kellen Hampton had 13. UT Arlington is 2-0 and outrebounded UNT Dallas 64-38 in an 89-56 opener. Seven Rainbow Warriors reached double figures against Bethesda, and I back Hawaii on the spread tonight.