In a highly anticipated exhibition clash between Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) Men's Basketball and the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors, the hardwood drama unfolded at the Stan Sheriff Center, marking the return of HPU Head Coach Jesse Nakanishi to familiar territory. Despite an impressive 18-point performance by Diggy Winbush, the Rainbow Warriors shook off a first-half scare and secured a 78-53 victory over the Sharks.

Winbush's Historic Night

Diggy Winbush etched his name into the record books with a stellar 18-point outing, marking the third-highest individual scoring performance by a Shark against a Division I opponent since 2006 (Justin Long remains at the top with his 20-point performance against Long Beach State in 2013). Winbush's offensive prowess was on full display, as he maneuvered through the Rainbow Warriors' defense with finesse, sinking critical shots from beyond the arc and attacking the rim with tenacity while dishing out a game-high five assists. His performance highlighted his importance to HPU's offensive scheme, even against a formidable Division I opponent.

PacWest Vs. Big West

HPU entered the exhibition match up riding high on a five-game winning streak, sitting atop the PacWest Conference standings. The Sharks displayed their resilience and cohesion during the streak, gutting out win after win in dramatic fashion. The exhibition against the Rainbow Warriors provided an opportunity to gauge their abilities against one of the hottest Mid-Major programs in the nation. The Rainbow Warriors entered their home court boasting a 6-1 record and leading the Big West Conference, and looked showcased why they are considered a dark horse when it comes to March.

Nakanishi's Return

For Coach Jesse Nakanishi, the exhibition marked a poignant return to the Stan Sheriff Center. As the head coach of HPU, Nakanishi faced the challenge of leading his team against a formidable Division I opponent on the home court where he once was the director of basketball operations. The match up served as a reunion of sorts and allowed Nakanishi to measure the progress of his squad against a high-caliber adversary.

Back And Forth Battle

From the opening tip-off, the Rainbow Warriors set the done with a combination of stifling defense and a well-executed offensive game plan. However, Winbush's efforts combined with baskets from Melo Sanchez, Ethan Taafe, and Charlie Weber would tie the game at 20 with under nine minutes left of play in the first half.

Munoz Kick Starts The Bows' Offense

As the home fans in attendance became uneasy as the Sharks closed the deficit, Hawai'i's Juan Munoz would unleash a flurry of threes to give the Rainbow Warriors a 12-point lead heading into the break. The graduate guard would make efficient use of his 18 minutes of action, leading the home team with 15 points on the night. Hawai'i was able to take that momentum into the second half and outscore the visiting Sharks 38-25
In the aftermath of the exhibition, the Rainbow Warriors emerged triumphant with a 78-53 victory, showcasing their prowess against HPU squad that will use this as fuel heading into the Hoops In Hawai'i Classic.

Looking Ahead

Despite the "loss" Winbush's early success has been quite the story line for the Blue and White as the JuCo product from Chabot College has been nothing short of stellar this season.

As both teams head back to their respective conferences, the exhibition provided valuable insights for HPU and UH ahead of a long winter schedule. For Coach Jesse Nakanishi, the return to the Stan Sheriff Center was a meaningful chapter in his coaching journey, as he leads the Sharks into a new era of HPU basketball. The exhibition also served as a testament to the competitive spirit of collegiate basketball in Hawaii and left fans eagerly anticipating the continued success and growth of both programs.