Add an Outrigger Rainbow Classic win to James Jones’ coaching resume.
Yale men’s basketball outlasted Hawaii in a defensive struggle, 62-59, in overtime to claim the title early Monday night local time in Honolulu.
Both teams started slowly, and Yale (4-0) did not score until senior forward EJ Jarvis hit a two at the 16:11 mark to knot the score at 2-2.
Big West foe Hawaii (2-1) then grabbled an 8-2 lead before junior forward Matt Knowling scored the first two of his game-high 18 points at 11:05.
Both teams shot poorly in the first half, with Hawaii leading 17-16 at intermission.
The Elis were down most of the second half until a Jarvis layup gave Yale a 39-38 lead at 6:22.
Jarvis blocked an Hawaii shot with three seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.
A three from sophomore guard John Poulakidas gave Yale the lead at 56-51 with 3:42 left and a breakaway dunk by sophomore guard Yassine Gharram with 54 seconds left gave Yale the lead for good.
Junior guard August Mahoney had 14 points, including six key free throws at the end of regulation and in overtime.
“It was a gutsy win,” said Jones.
Next up for the Bulldogs is a game Sunday at home against John Jay at 2 p.m.