Jaden Matingou's last-second jumper lifts Hawai‘i past Seattle 74-73 in season opener

HONOLULU — Jaden Matingou couldn't have scripted a better debut for the University of Hawai‘i men's basketball team.

The newcomer scored the Rainbow Warriors' first basket of the season and delivered their biggest shot of the night, hitting a fadeaway jumper with 1.2 seconds remaining to lift Hawai‘i to a thrilling 74-73 victory over Seattle on Monday night at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

Matingou finished with a team-high 20 points, connecting on five of six shots from the field and making nine of 12 free throws as Hawai‘i (1-0) survived a furious second-half comeback by the Redhawks in the first meeting between the programs in 37 years.

The Rainbow Warriors led by as many as 16 points in the first half before Seattle stormed back to take the lead late in the game. But when Hawai‘i needed one final basket, Matingou delivered a memorable moment in his first game wearing a Rainbow Warriors uniform.

Trailing 73-72 with 13 seconds remaining, Hawai‘i caught a break when Seattle's Will Heimbrodt missed two free throws. Zack Davidson grabbed the rebound, and the Rainbow Warriors advanced the ball before calling timeout with 10.4 seconds left.

Matingou took the ensuing inbounds pass, drove into the lane and pulled up for a contested fadeaway jumper that dropped through the net with 1.2 seconds remaining, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Seattle called timeout to set up one final play, but Marcus Adams Jr. intercepted a long inbounds pass to secure the victory.

Chance Trujillo added 19 points, including four 3-pointers, while Adams contributed 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Davidson finished with 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting as four Rainbow Warriors scored in double figures.

Mason Williams and Heimbrodt led Seattle with 20 points apiece, while Halvine Dzellat recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Hawai‘i appeared headed for a comfortable opening-night victory after a blistering start offensively.

The Rainbow Warriors connected on seven of their first 10 shots and led throughout the first half, shooting 59% from the field before halftime. Trujillo provided the early offensive spark, scoring 13 first-half points and making three 3-pointers.

Hawai‘i used a pair of 7-0 runs to build its advantage, which reached 16 points following a dunk by Bol Dengdit with 7:26 remaining in the opening half.

Seattle refused to let the game get away, however, making five of its final seven shots before halftime to trim Hawai‘i's lead to 47-39 at the break.

The Redhawks carried that momentum into the second half as Hawai‘i's offense cooled considerably.

Heimbrodt scored on a layup with 9:45 remaining to cap a 7-0 Seattle run and cut the Rainbow Warriors' lead to 58-55. The Redhawks continued to apply pressure before Heimbrodt converted another layup with 3:30 remaining to give Seattle its first lead of the game at 65-64.

Seattle extended its advantage to 67-64 with 2:55 left after an 8-0 run, putting Hawai‘i in danger of squandering its impressive first-half performance.

The Rainbow Warriors kept fighting, cutting the deficit to one point on four occasions in the closing minutes. Trujillo made one of two free throws with 39 seconds remaining to bring Hawai‘i within 73-72, setting up the dramatic final sequence.

The victory provided an encouraging start for a Hawai‘i team integrating several newcomers while preparing for its first season in the Mountain West Conference.

Matingou's performance was particularly significant, as the guard demonstrated his ability to create offense and make plays in pressure situations. Trujillo's outside shooting, Adams' production off the bench and Davidson's efficiency also offered promising signs for the Rainbow Warriors.

The game drew an announced crowd of 4,256. Hawai‘i shot 49% from the field overall but made only eight of 22 shots in the second half, allowing Seattle to outscore the Rainbow Warriors 34-27 after halftime. The Redhawks also held a 30-25 rebounding advantage, although Hawai‘i forced 20 turnovers to help offset the disparity.

Hawai‘i will return to action Friday when it hosts Bethesda at 7 p.m. in the opening game of the 60th annual OUTRIGGER Rainbow Classic at Bankoh Arena. The four-team tournament, which also features UT Arlington and Portland, continues Sunday and Monday.