Hawaii’s Harry Rouhliadeff recently showcased his skills at the Bankoh Arena during a free throw session against the UH-Hilo Vulcans. As the Rainbow Warriors prepare for their matchup against the 3-5 UTEP Miners, free throw shooting has become a central focus for the team. Guard Hunter Erickson emphasized the importance of regular practice at the line, stating, “A strength of ours is getting to the line. We’ve got to keep building on that, practicing free throws every day, keeping the balance.”
The showdown is set for 7:05 p.m. and poses significant challenges for the Miners. UTEP coach Joe Golding acknowledged the skill set of Hawaii’s shooters, highlighting the need for his team to be aggressive yet disciplined to avoid fouls. With the Miners ranked No. 338 in fouls per game, their tendency to concede free throws could prove detrimental against a team that excels at the line. Hawaii ranks 10th in free throws made and 8th in attempts, with standout Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson boasting an impressive free throw conversion rate of 92.5%.
Johnson articulated the pivotal role of free throws in determining game outcomes, asserting that practice under pressure is crucial for success. With ten new players on the Miners roster, they are looking to stabilize their offensive play. Standout players such as Jamal West Jr. and Kaseem Watson bring strength and versatility to their lineup, while Golding emphasizes a system built on aggressive defense to generate turnovers and capitalize on fast breaks.
Erickson pointed out that maintaining possession of the ball will be vital for Hawaii, as forcing fouls will allow them greater opportunities at the free throw line. The Warriors’ resilience in rebounding and strong point-of-attack defense has made them a formidable opponent. Golding acknowledged Hawaii’s defensive prowess, noting they currently rank among the top 20 defensive teams in the nation.
As both teams prepare for the upcoming challenge, fans can expect an exciting clash that will test the strengths and strategies of Hawaii and UTEP.