The fifth-ranked Rainbows were outblocked, 24-11, by host UC Santa Barbara, but still managed to prevail in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation match, 11-15, 15-5, 15-12, 9-15, 15-12.

It was an ugly match in more ways than one, according to Hawaii coach Mike Wilton. In addition to sloppy play, Wilton said the Rainbows had to contend with racist and antisemitic remarks from some spectators.

"We got taken out of the match, let some of the things being said get to us," said Wilton, who used six foreign nationals, including two Israelis. "But those are the kinds of things you have to deal with on the road. I told our guys they have to discipline themselves in regards to those things.

"It was a very ugly match on the court. I'm not sure we deserved to win, but we did."

Andre Breuer had a match-high 29 kills and hit .535 to lead Hawaii to its third straight road win. The Rainbows, who improved to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the MPSF, are at Loyola Marymount tomorrow and Cal State Northridge on Friday.

Dejan Miladinovic added 19 kills and Sivan Leoni 16. Senior captain Naveh Milo had a double-double with 13 kills and 17 digs.

Jeremy Darner led the Gauchos (1-3, 0-3) with 28 kills. Kevin Collins added 20 kills and Bob Heft had 10 kills and nine blocks.

The crossover match is one of three this week against Mountain Division foes. UH shares the Pacific Division lead with Stanford at 3-0.