Utah closes the door down the stretch to beat Hawaii 79-66

SALT LAKE CITY -- — Branden Carlson scored 17 points and reserves Hunter Erickson and Keba Keita scored 15 and 14 points, respectively, and Utah beat Hawaii 79-66 on Thursday night.

Cole Bajema added 10 points for the Utes (5-2) and made all eight of his foul shots. Utah shot 52.6% (30 for 57) despite making just 5 of 14 (35.7%) from 3-point range.

Noel Coleman scored 14 points, reserves Juan Munoz and Harry Rouhliadeff scored 12 and 11, respectively, and Justin McKoy scored 11 for Hawaii (5-1).

Utah led 39-34 at intermission and started the second half outscoring Hawaii 11-3 in the first four minutes for a 50-37 lead. Utah remained ahead by double digits until McKoy converted a three-point play with 6:54 left to bring the Rainbow Warriors within 66-57 with a 9-2 run. Erickson made consecutive layups between one from Hawaii's Bernardo da Silva and Utah led 74-61. The Utes stayed up by double digits the last four minutes.

Hawaii entered with its best start to a season since 2010-11. The Rainbow Warriors host Central Arkansas on Sunday.

Utah hosts Southern Utah on Dec. 5.

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