Bulldogs blow 21-point lead

HONOLULU (AP) -- Hawaii coach Riley Wallace called it the "greatest comeback'' in the 39-year history of the Rainbow Classic.

Michael Kuebler had 29 points, including 25 in the second half, to rally Hawaii from a 21-point deficit and defeat Butler 81-78 in overtime to win the Rainbow Classic tournament Monday night.

Kuebler also had six free throws in overtime to secure the win for the Rainbow Warriors (7-1), who gave the Bulldogs (10-1) its first loss of the season.

"I don't know of a better championship game that I've ever been around,'' Wallace said. "This is my 22nd one and it's got to be one of the best.''

It was the second straight Rainbow Classic title for Hawaii and its eighth Rainbow Classic championship victory. It was also the 19th straight win at home dating back to last season.

"We just want to win, you don't want to win at home, ever,'' English said. "This was a big tournament and they were 10-0. So we just came out with a purpose.''

Butler's Darnell Archey tied the NCAA Division I record for consecutive free throws made with his 73rd straight -- matching the mark set by Villanova's Gary Buchanan during the 2000-01 season -- with 17:12 left in the first half.

Archey, who was 2-for-2 from the line but shot just 1-for-11 from the field, hasn't missed a foul shot since February 2001 -- his sophomore season.

Carl English, the tournament's most valuable player, overcame a slow start and finished with 21 points, including 17 in the second half.

"We just stuck together, never hung our head, played with a lot of heart and never gave up and we came out on top,'' English said.

Butler took a 21-point lead twice in the first half and appeared to have it put away, leading 64-49 with 4:02 left. But Hawaii went on a 19-4 run, with English scoring nine points and Kuebler eight, tying it 66-66 on Kuebler's free throws, sending it into overtime.

"We took them for granted in the first half and we shouldn't have,'' English said.

Kuebler said with Butler's defense focusing on English, there were shots opened for him.

Bruce Horan came off the bench and took control early, hitting five straight 3-pointers during a 21-2 run, giving Butler a 35-14 lead. During the run that lasted 6:46, Hawaii managed just one basket.

"We played good enough to win the basketball game,'' Butler coach Todd Lickliter said. "Matter of fact, we played terrific. I'm so proud of our guys.''

The Rainbow Warriors answered with a 12-2 run to close out the half and pull to 37-26. Haim Shimonovich had 14 points and 10 rebounds for Hawaii.

Duane Lightfoot Jr. led Butler with 18 points before fouling out. Horan finished with 15, while Brandon Miller and Mike Monserez had 12 each.