HONOLULU – Two basketball teams who campuses are less than a mile apart will renew acquaintances for a second straight year outside of O'ahu.
The Chaminade University and the University of Hawai'i men's hoops squads will again square off on the hardwood, this time in Lihue, Kaua'i on Saturday with a 7 p.m. tip time. This year's version will be played at Kaua'i High School Gymnasium, affectionately known by Garden Islanders as "The RaiderDome."
Last season, the Silverswords and Rainbow Warriors met on Moloka'i, the first-ever NCAA basketball game involving a Division I team. UH prevailed, 104-93, at "The Barn." Despite the loss, the Swords managed to tie for the most points allowed by the 'Bows last season.
The Silverswords (4-3) and Rainbow Warriors (6-2) are also squaring off for state bragging rights. Both played and defeated Hawai'i-Hilo, the only common opponent thus far. The 'Bows downed BYU-Hawai'i in exhibition action, while the Swords defeated Hawai'i Pacific.
UH will be the fourth Division I team the Swords are facing, having played Baylor, Gonzaga and Minnesota in the EA Sports Maui Invitational. Both squads are putting winning streaks on the line as the Silverswords have won two straight, while the Rainbow Warriors four.
UH has a 4-1 edge over Chaminade in the all-time series between the two teams dating back to 1980. The Silverswords' lone win against their in-city counterparts came on Dec. 17, 1982 (56-47). Six days later, the Swords went on to pull off one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history when they beat Ralph Sampson and No. 1 Virginia, 77-72. The victory would pave the way for the creation of the EA Sports Maui Invitational.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Site: Lihue, Kaua'i; Kaua'i High School Gymnasium
Ticket Information: $5 advance at the Kaua'i High School Athletics Department, $8 at the door. For more information, call Kaua'i High Athletics at 808-274-3169.
Promotions: Chaminade Athletics will have several fan contests throughout the game, including T-shirts, Pepsi products and other giveaways. The Silverswords will also have an autograph session following the game.
Streaming Audio: Goswords.com will have live streaming audio with Felipe Ojastro handling the play-by-play.
Radio: ESPN 1420, the exclusive radio rights holder to University of Hawai'i athletics, will broadcast the game on the airwaves with Bobby Curran on the call.
Live Stats: Available on goswords.com.
