Beattie greeted by boos as Hawai’i holds off UC San Diego

Beattie greeted by boos as Hawai’i holds off UC San Diego

Feb 7, 2026

Hawaii G Hunter Erickson is guarded by former Rainbow Warrior Tom Beattie in UH’s win over UC San Diego. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Beattie greeted by boos as Hawai’i holds off UC San Diego

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 7, 2026

HONOLULU – Triton or traitor?

The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team sent the second-largest home crowd of the season back to their cars happy on Saturday night, holding off old friend Tom Beattie and UC San Diego (16-9, 6-7 Big West) inside Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, 72-67. Senior Isaac Johnson led the way for the Rainbow Warriors with 20 points and nine rebounds, getting the hosts off to a much-needed hot start against the Tritons.

“We talked about it a lot leading up to the game, we had to throw the first punch,” said Johnson about UH’s mindset entering the night. “Almost got to it literally throwing a first punch, but basketball-wise, we came out with a hot start and then it seemed like we took our foot off the gas a little bit.”

The 7-footer came out guns blazing to begin, scoring nine of the first 11 points as Hawai’i raced out to an 11-0 lead less than three minutes into the action. His aggressiveness continued as other Rainbow Warriors struggled to get it going from the floor, helping keep the hosts ahead by nine nearly midway through the opening half.

“That was crucial, necessary for us to kind of send a message early,” Johnson continued. “It set a tone for the rest of the game, and we were ready to battle.”

Hawaii C Isaac Johnson gives an extra stare after a putback dunk in the first half against UC San Diego. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

The battle spilled over into being of special interest to the 4,842 fans in attendance with 8:50 left before halftime as Gytis Nemeikša and UCSD junior guard Tom Beattie got tangled up and shared a few words back and forth, causing Beattie to clap and smile at Nemeikša before being greeted by vociferous boos by the Hawai’i fanbase.

“After that moment with Tom Beattie, I got heated,” Nemeikša said unprompted about the moment with his former teammate. “I just really wanted to win this game. That’s all.”

The game took on a different tone after the Nemo-Beattie moment as the crowd took it upon themselves to defend Nemeikša while taking their opportunity to voice their displeasure with the in-conference defector, booing Beattie every time he touched the ball for the rest of the night.

“I was really happy when the crowd started booing him when he had the ball,” Nemeikša grinned when asked about the fan reaction for the rest of the night. “Thank you for the crowd.”

With fans engaged and both teams battling, Hawai’i clung to a two-point advantage going into the locker room despite shooting just 2-for-13 from distance.

Beattie helped swing the score in the Tritons’ favor when play resumed, draining a three from the left side after starting the second half with a twisting layup through defenders, holding a finger up to his lips to shush the booing crowd as the visitors ticked ahead, 37-36.

The UCSD lead grew as large as five with 13:34 to play as the Rainbow Warriors dragged through a three-minute scoring drought before Nemeikša and junior forward Ike Finlinson had a pair of and-one finishes for the hosts to pull within a pair.

The tough finishes got the hosts going as Finlinson followed it up by connecting from the left corner for his lone triple of the night, putting Hawai’i back ahead with 10:05 left to play, 50-49.

The UH defense locked in to allow just one made field goal over the next seven and a half minutes, allowing the Rainbow Warriors to extend the advantage back to 10 behind a pair of big threes from Harry Rouhliadeff and Hunter Erickson as the clock ticked under three minutes remaining in regulation.

“We had some [bad shots], and we had some forcing the issue against their defense,” head coach Eran Ganot said of the offensive woes to begin the second half. “At the forefront, we have to play with confidence, some swag, belief. So, Ike started that, he hits the three in the corner … a paint touch and Harry hits a big one. Obviously, we got a late clock three from Hunter Erickson. We’re going to keep talking about [taking good shots], stop forcing things, but do not pass up the good ones, ever.”

Despite the comfortable lead for UH, the Tritons refused to relent after getting a little extra life from a technical foul on Isaac Johnson right after the Erickson 3-pointer. A few bad fouls and tough made shots by UCSD later and the 10-point Hawai’i lead had been cut to two with 14 seconds left to play.

After Hunter Erickson split a pair a free throw to give a 70-67 advantage, the Rainbow Warrior defense stood tall to force a miss by Aidan Burke from the left corner and Dre Bullock secured the rebound and knocked down the final two free throws to help the hosts survive late.

Beattie finished with a team-high 14 points for UC San Diego in his return to his old stomping grounds, adding three assists and a trio of steals to his ledger. Hudson Mayes chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes for the Tritons, who had four players finish in double digits in the loss.

 Ike Finlinson scored 12 of his 15 points for UH after halftime, adding four rebounds and a pair of assists in the win. Gytis Nemeikša added 11 points and five rebounds off the bench while Dre Bullock finished with 10 points and seven boards as the Rainbow Warriors dominated the battle on the glass, 47-26.

Erickson did a little bit of everything despite not having his best offensive performance, scoring nine points on 2-of-7 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds, six assists and a pair of steals.

The victory helped knot the Rainbow Warriors back at the top of the Big West standings after UC Irvine fell at UC Santa Barbara earlier on Saturday. Hawai’i (17-5, 9-3 Big West) will try to keep pace atop the conference ranks as they head back out on the road next week, traveling to CSU Bakersfield on Thursday before visiting CSUN on Saturday.

Hawai’i also announced on Saturday that sophomore starting point guard Aaron Hunkin-Claytor is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a severe turf toe injury in practice. Already without the services of Tanner Cuff (knee) for the year, the Rainbow Warriors are down to 10 total bodies on the active roster with eight games left in the regular season.

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Hawai‘i Falls at UC San Diego, 59–46, After Cold Middle Quarters

Hawai‘i Falls at UC San Diego, 59–46, After Cold Middle Quarters

Feb 7, 2026

Screenshot via ESPN+

Hawai‘i Falls at UC San Diego, 59–46, After Cold Middle Quarters

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 7, 2026

LA JOLLA – The University of Hawai‘i women’s basketball team saw a strong opening quarter undone by prolonged scoring droughts, as the Rainbow Wahine fell 59–46 to UC San Diego on Saturday afternoon at LionTree Arena.

Hawai‘i jumped out quickly, shooting 66.7 percent in the first quarter and building a 20–13 lead behind sharp ball movement and efficient perimeter shooting. Bailey Flavell set the tone early, while Saniyah Neverson and Jade Peacock helped Hawai‘i control the paint and the glass in the opening 10 minutes.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter. Hawai‘i managed just four points on 2-for-11 shooting as UC San Diego tightened defensively and turned turnovers into transition opportunities.

Makayla Rose sparked the Tritons during a decisive 16–4 run, including a buzzer-beating three that sent UCSD into halftime with a 29–24 advantage.

Offensive struggles continued for Hawai‘i in the third quarter, where the Wahine shot 23.1 percent and went scoreless from beyond the arc. UC San Diego extended its lead behind balanced scoring and strong interior defense, pushing the margin to 40–31 entering the fourth.

Hawai‘i showed resilience in the final period, outscoring UC San Diego 15–19 and briefly cutting the deficit to single digits.

Neverson finished with nine points and eight rebounds, while Flavell led Hawai‘i with 18 points, including a pair of late baskets that kept the Wahine competitive down the stretch. However, UC San Diego answered each push, sealing the game with timely shooting and defensive stops.

UC San Diego shot 40.7 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three, while Hawai‘i finished at 38.0 percent overall and 25.0 percent from deep. Turnovers proved costly for the Wahine, who committed 19 compared to the Tritons’ eight, leading to an 18–4 disadvantage in points off turnovers.

Hawai‘i won the rebounding battle 37–28 and held advantages in second-chance points, but the cold shooting stretches in the middle quarters ultimately proved too much to overcome.

The loss moves Hawai‘i to 12–10 overall and 6–6 in Big West play, while UC San Diego improved to 17–6 and remained atop the conference standings.

UH returns to Bankoh Arena next week for a pivotal stretch, beginning with a matchup against CSU Bakersfield on Thursday, Feb. 12, followed by CSUN on Saturday, Feb. 14.

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Two NIL Bills at the Capitol: What UH Fans Need to Know

Two NIL Bills at the Capitol: What UH Fans Need to Know

Feb 6, 2026

Two NIL Bills at the Capitol: What UH Fans Need to Know

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 6, 2026

Two major bills at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol could significantly impact how University of Hawaiʻi student-athletes are compensated for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). While both bills deal with NIL, they take very different approaches — and understanding the difference matters for the future of UH athletics.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what each bill does, followed by a look at the pros and cons.

HB2384: Setting the Rules for NIL at UH

What it is:
HB2384 creates a statewide NIL framework for the University of Hawaiʻi. Instead of focusing on how much money athletes are paid, this bill focuses on rules, protections, transparency, and oversight.

What HB2384 does:

  • Confirms that UH student-athletes can earn money from NIL activities

  • Ensures NIL compensation does not affect scholarships or eligibility

  • Requires UH to adopt clear NIL policies

  • Provides education for athletes on contracts, taxes, and finances

  • Protects athletes’ privacy by reporting NIL activity in aggregate, not by name

  • Requires UH to consider Title IX when administering NIL programs

  • Allows both third-party NIL deals and institutional agreements

  • Includes a sunset date of 2030, meaning lawmakers will review it before making it permanent

Why it matters:
HB2384 is about getting NIL right before going all-in financially. It gives UH flexibility as college sports continue to change, while putting guardrails in place to protect student-athletes.

SB3263: Creating an NIL Endowment Fund

What it is:
SB3263 creates a permanent NIL endowment fund to directly pay UH student-athletes through a university-run program.

How the money works:

  • Requires a minimum $10 million endowment

  • The State would contribute $5 million

  • UH must raise $5 million to match it

  • The $10 million principal cannot be spent

  • Only investment earnings (typically ~4–5% per year) can be used to pay athletes

What that means in real terms:

  • A $10M endowment would likely generate about $400,000–$500,000 per year

  • That amount would be spread across all participating athletes and sports

Other key points:

  • Athletes paid through the fund must use a registered agent

  • UH must publicly report which athletes are paid and how much

  • If UH ever leaves Division I athletics, the entire fund reverts to the state

  • The bill has no sunset date — it’s permanent

Why it matters:
SB3263 prioritizes long-term funding stability, but limits how much money athletes can receive each year and requires significant fundraising by UH.

Comparing the Two: Pros and Cons

HB2384 — Pros

  • Protects student-athletes and their privacy

  • Flexible and adaptable to future NIL changes

  • Allows third-party NIL opportunities

  • Strong Title IX emphasis

  • Temporary, with built-in legislative review

HB2384 — Cons

  • Does not create a guaranteed funding source

  • Leaves NIL compensation levels largely up to the market

SB3263 — Pros

  • Creates a permanent NIL funding structure

  • Provides predictable, long-term funding

  • Strong public transparency and accountability

SB3263 — Cons

  • UH must raise millions in matching funds

  • Most of the money is locked away and cannot be spent

  • Annual payouts may be small compared to modern NIL expectations

  • Public disclosure of individual athlete payments raises privacy concerns

  • Little flexibility if NIL rules change nationally

The Big Picture for UH Fans

At its core, this is a debate about approach.

  • HB2384 focuses on rules, protections, and flexibility first

  • SB3263 focuses on building a long-term funding engine, even if short-term payouts are limited

As NIL continues to evolve nationwide, these decisions could shape the future of UH athletics for years to come.

Upcoming Hearing on HB2384 — Get Involved

House Bill 2384, the measure that establishes a statewide framework for name, image, and likeness (NIL) activity at the University of Hawaiʻi, is scheduled for a public hearing before the House Higher Education Committee.

This is a key opportunity for UH fans, student-athletes, coaches, and community members to listen in, offer testimony, or simply stay informed about how NIL policy could evolve in Hawaiʻi.

Hearing Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. HT
Location: Bachman Hall, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa OR via video conference HERE
Committee: House of Representatives Committee on Higher Education (HED)

How to Participate in the HB2384 Hearing

Tip: You don’t need to be an expert. Saying why NIL protections and transparency matter to you as a UH fan is enough.

Option 2: Watch or Attend the Hearing

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Irimata Goes the Distance as Rainbow Wahine Open 2026 With Win

Irimata Goes the Distance as Rainbow Wahine Open 2026 With Win

Feb 6, 2026

Hawaii Softball pitcher Taryn Irimata celebrates. | Photo by Michael Lasquero/HSRN

Irimata Goes the Distance as Rainbow Wahine Open 2026 With Win

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 6, 2026

MANOA – The Hawai‘i Rainbow Wahine opened the 2026 season with a gritty 2–1 victory over the Seattle U Redhawks on Thursday night, earning head coach Panita Thanatharn her first win in her debut at the helm of the program.

Hawai‘i struck early in the bottom of the first inning when Milan Ah Yat delivered a two-run single, bringing home Cierra Yamamoto and pinch runner Rhea Furtado. The early cushion proved decisive in a tightly contested pitchers’ duel that followed.

From there, the game belonged to Taryn Irimata inside the circle. Making her first appearance in a Rainbow Wahine uniform after returning home, Irimata went the distance, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run on three hits. She worked through traffic, issuing three walks, but limited damage and finished with two strikeouts over seven innings to secure the win.

Seattle U’s lone run came in the fourth inning following a two-out walk that later turned into a run, a moment Thanatharn pointed to as a teaching opportunity rather than a turning point.

“Walks kill us,” Thanatharn said postgame. “I just wanted to remind her it was her game — attack the hitters and trust your defense”.

Thanatharn acknowledged the emotions surrounding her debut, calling the win meaningful but crediting the collective effort behind it.

“A W is always good, but I’m just very grateful for this opportunity to lead this team,” Thanatharn said. “These players have been working their butts off, as has our staff. It’s just fun to finally play somebody else”.

Offensively, Hawai‘i collected four hits, including singles from Abby Sasaki and Ellyanna Cinzori, but struggled to build momentum after the opening frame. Thanatharn noted the team became “a little cold” at the plate, emphasizing the need to sustain pressure as the season progresses.

For Irimata, the night was about more than just the stat line. After returning home and stepping back into competition following injury, the senior described the moment as both emotional and validating.

Irimata spent the previous two seasons at Nevada and received a medical redshirt in 2025, making her complete-game performance in her Rainbow Wahine debut all the more meaningful.

“I’m just proud of us for staying through it,” Irimata said. “We work really hard every day, and I think it just paid off. Playing at home in front of my family — it was a game changer”.

She also credited Thanatharn’s steady presence during key moments, including a brief mid-inning visit that helped her refocus down the stretch.

“She just reminded me this was my game,” Irimata said. “What I was doing was working. Even if it wasn’t my best day, nothing changed”

Hawai‘i improves to 1–0 on the season, while Seattle U drops to 1–1. The Rainbow Wahine will continue opening-week in the Bank of Hawai’i Paradise Classic with matchups against North Dakota and Pacific on Friday.

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Rainbow Warriors get early start on preparation for 2026 season

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Feb 5, 2026

Rainbow Warriors get early start on preparation for 2026 season

MANOA — Early bird gets the worm.

The University of Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors football team started spring practice on Feb. 3, making the program one of the first across the nation to start its preparation for the 2026 season.

Timmy Chang, now in his fifth year as head coach at his alma mater, has no problem with the short turnaround time after his team last played on Christmas Eve in the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl.

“It first our schedule, it fits what we want to do,” said Chang. “We got a bunch of new guys in there. It allows us to continue to develop. There’s no perfect plan. It’s just a plan that we believe will help develop our guys and get our guys going.”

Timmy Chang embarks on his fifth season as the head coach of his alma mater. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Hawai’i is coming off a season when it went 9-4 and reached its first bowl game under Chang. The primary offensive scheme that the Rainbow Warriors utilize is the run-and-shoot, which is an intricate offense that has receivers adjust their routes on the fly based on the defensive coverage.

“I think we benefit the most off of getting reps as fast as we can, and then being able to pour into our guys and getting them to understand and have a better understanding of what we need them to do, what we want them to do, what football looks like here at the university of Hawai’i,” said Chang.

One of the newcomers to the team is receiver Audric Harris, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior transfer from Washington. Harris is thankful for the opportunity to get into the playbook faster after arriving to the islands a few weeks ago.

“This early start kind of helps,” he said. “Coming in three weeks ago, being able to learn the plays real quick, being able to go out there and execute the plays as soon as possible, that helps me get a grasp of the offense faster.”

Washington transfer Audric Harris runs after the catch in a positional drill. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

The main important thing that Chang wants his team to accomplish during the 15 allowed practices in the spring is development.

“It wasn’t perfect, but the intention is what was there and their want to was there,” said Chang. “It’s just about cleaning everything up. Go make new mistakes, we know they’re going to make mistakes and they know that. They’re not going to know everything to do out there, but as long as the intent to want to get better is there, it’ll be good.”

Safeties Makana Meyers (21) and Matagi Thompson (25) take part in a ball security drill. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

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Mountain West Unveils Expanded Media Rights Deal Through 2032

Mountain West Unveils Expanded Media Rights Deal Through 2032

Feb 3, 2026

Mountain West Unveils Expanded Media Rights Deal Through 2032

HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 3, 2026

The Mountain West Conference announced a sweeping new media rights package Tuesday, securing long-term partnerships with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The CW Network, and streaming partner Kiswe.

The agreements with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and Kiswe run six years from the 2026-27 through 2031-32 seasons, while The CW Network has committed to a five-year deal through 2030-31. Conference officials described the deal as the most expansive media distribution plan in Mountain West history, pairing national broadcast exposure with an enhanced direct-to-consumer streaming platform.

Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said the agreement delivers “unprecedented national linear visibility” while creating new digital opportunities that spotlight student-athletes, institutions, and conference-wide storytelling.

According to Chris Vannini of The Athletic, financials of the deal were not disclosed, but Nevarez confirmed that legacy conference members will not see a decrease from the previous media rights payout of around $3.5 million per year, which was promised in the grant of rights, whether the money comes entirely from the TV deal or is drawn in part from league reserves.

Mountain West Coverage by Network

 

CBS Sports

  • 15 regular-season football games annually on CBS Sports Network

  • At least one football game per year on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+

  • 18 regular-season men’s basketball games on CBS Sports Network

  • Men’s Basketball Championship Game remains on CBS

  • Men’s tournament quarterfinals and semifinals on CBS Sports Network

  • Two regular-season women’s basketball games annually

  • Women’s Basketball Championship Game on CBS Sports Network

FOX Sports

  • Exclusive rights to the Mountain West Football Championship Game

  • 12 regular-season football games per year across FOX, FS1, and FS2

  • 20 regular-season men’s basketball games annually

The CW Network

  • 13 regular-season football games annually

  • 20 regular-season men’s basketball games

  • 15 regular-season women’s basketball games

  • Represents a significant increase in national exposure for Mountain West women’s basketball

Collectively, CBS, FOX, and The CW will broadcast more than 150 live Mountain West events each year, maximizing exposure across national windows and major sports platforms.

MW App & Streaming Expansion

In partnership with Kiswe, the Mountain West will launch an upgraded MW App in July 2026, transitioning from a free model to a subscription-based service. The platform will serve as the exclusive streaming home for Mountain West events not carried on national linear television and is expected to feature more than 1,000 live regular-season and postseason events annually, on-demand replays, highlights, and original programming.

Fans will also be able to access the MW App through a subscription on Prime Video this fall, expanding availability across connected TV and mobile platforms.

University of Hawai’i

As a full Mountain West member beginning in 2026, the University of Hawai‘i stands to benefit from the conference’s expanded national footprint while continuing to pursue a separate local media partnership for Rainbow Warrior home events.

“Today’s conference media rights announcement starts an exciting new chapter for University of Hawai‘i Athletics and the Mountain West,” said UH Athletics Director Matt Elliott. “The package ensures broad conference exposure with national TV partners FOX, CBS, and The CW, while also vastly increasing the overall availability of UH competitions through the Mountain West’s direct-to-consumer platform.”

“With the national media rights finalized, securing a local media partner is the next major priority for UH,” Elliott added. “We are committed to finding a partner who recognizes the value of the UH brand and celebrates our unique identity while further amplifying our student-athletes’ successes. We will establish a partnership that drives revenue and delivers a high-quality experience for our local viewers, the broadcaster, and the University.”

 

National vs. Local Media Rights — What It Means

National Media Rights
The Mountain West’s national media rights deal controls games selected for broadcast on CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The CW Network, and streaming platforms tied to the conference. These agreements provide national exposure for Mountain West teams and ensure marquee matchups are widely available across the country.

Local Media Rights
Local media rights are negotiated individually by each school and cover games not picked up by national partners. For the University of Hawai‘i, this includes the majority of Rainbow Warrior & Rainbow Wahine home events and determines how fans across the islands can watch games on local TV, streaming platforms, and digital channels.

Together, the two structures work in tandem — national partners elevate visibility beyond Hawai‘i, while a local media partner ensures consistent, accessible coverage for fans at home.

Mountain West Conference Members (2026-27)

Football Members (Competing in Mountain West Football)

These schools will field Mountain West football teams beginning in the 2026 season:

  • United States Air Force Academy

  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (upgrading from football-only to full member)

  • University of Nevada, Reno

  • University of New Mexico

  • Northern Illinois University (football-only member)

  • San José State University

  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas

  • University of Texas at El Paso

  • University of Wyoming

This group will compete for the Mountain West Football Championship and follow an eight-game conference schedule.

Full Members (All Sports Except Football Where Not Listed Above)

These schools compete across most Mountain West championship sports, including basketball and Olympic sports:

  • University of California, Davis — All MW sports except football*

  • Grand Canyon University — All MW sports except football (already competing beginning 2025-26)

*UC Davis football currently competes in the Big Sky Conference (FCS)

Affiliate Members (Sport-Specific)

These institutions participate in select Mountain West sports only:

  • Colorado College (Women’s Soccer)

  • Northern Illinois University (Football & Women’s Gymnastics)

  • Utah Tech University (Baseball & Men’s Swimming & Diving)

Hawai‘i Football Continues to Build as Fall Camp Progresses

Hawai‘i Football Continues to Build as Fall Camp Progresses

Aug 13, 2026

MĀNOA - The University of Hawai‘i football team continues to work its way through fall camp with head coach Timmy Chang encouraged by the progress he’s seeing across the roster. With the season opener drawing closer, the Rainbow Warriors remain...

Walker, Rainbow Wahine Building Identity Ahead of First Exhibitions

Walker, Rainbow Wahine Building Identity Ahead of First Exhibitions

Aug 12, 2026

Nearly two weeks into preseason camp, first-year University of Hawai‘i women’s volleyball head coach Joshua Walker likes what he’s seeing from the Rainbow Wahine. Walker joined Hawai‘i Sports Radio Network ahead of the team’s first exhibitions of...

Tracking the Hawaii men’s basketball 2026-27 schedule

Tracking the Hawaii men’s basketball 2026-27 schedule

Aug 12, 2026

HONOLULU – A new season on the hardwood is right around the corner, fit with fresh new conference memberships and tournament bracket designs. The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team embarks on its first season in the Mountain West in...

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