The University of Hawaii men's basketball team came up frustratingly short

in its season opener tonight.

San Francisco defeated the Rainbow Warriors, 75-70, in the Verizon Wireless

Tip-Off Classic. Hawaii was within two points in the final two minutes, but

could not catch the Dons.

A crowd of 4,414 at the Stan Sheriff Center watched the season opener for

both teams.

Petras Balocka led the 'Bows with 18 points as all five starters reached

double-figure points. Lasha Parghalava and Kareem Nitoto added 14 points

each, Roderick Flemings scored 13, and Bill Amis 11.

The 'Bows jumped to a 7-0 lead after a 3-pointer by Balocka, but that would

be their biggest lead of the game.

Hawaii took a 30-29 lead at halftime, with Parghalava scoring 11.

The lead went back and forth in the second half, with neither team leading

by more than five points until the final minute.

The Dons took the lead for good at 54-49 with 9:17 remaining, and Hawaii

could not overcome it.

Blake Wallace led San Francisco with 21 points, including four 3-pointers.

The Verizon Wireless Tip-Off Classic will continue with two games on Sunday

at the Sheriff Center.

San Francisco will play Texas State for the tournament championship at 2:30

p.m., followed by Hawaii against Cal State Fullerton at 5:05.

Texas State defeated Cal State Fullerton, 76-66, in tonight's first game.