By Lance Tominaga, ESPN Honolulu Web Editor.

The University of Hawaii men’s basketball team squandered a 14-point second-half lead and fell to UC Davis this afternoon at the University Credit Union Center, 68-65.

The turnover bug proved costly for the visiting Rainbow Warriors, as the team committed 10 after halftime to allow the Aggies back into the game. Hawaii had an opportunity to take the lead in the contest’s with six seconds left in regulation, but guard Noel Coleman’s three-point attempt was blocked. After a UC Davis free throw, guard Junior Madut’s desperation three-point attempt skipped over the rim as the game clock expired.

The Rainbow Warriors have now lost two straight after starting the Big West Conference season 6-0. The Aggies, meanwhile, improved their conference record to 3-3.

UH forward Kamaka Hepa led his team with 16 points and nine rebounds. Fellow frontcourt starters Jerome Desrosiers and Bernardo da Silva each added 12 points, while Coleman contributed 11 points. The Aggies were led by the backcourt duo of Ezra Manjon and Elijah Pepper, who combined for 39 points.

Hawaii will return to action next week with crucial home games against Long Beach State (Thursday) and Cal State Fullerton (Saturday). Both games will be broadcast on ESPN Honolulu (92.7 FM/1420 AM), with the Rivals Pregame Show starting at 6:00 p.m.

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