Hawaii's offense took a hit when leading rusher Kealoha Pilares sprained his ankle in the first quarter and did not return. Pilares gained 19 yards on seven carries.

“;We really missed him as a running back and a receiver,”; UH offensive coordinator Ron Lee said.

Cornerback Ryan Mouton and safety Erik Robinson also didn't finish the game, leaving with sprained ankles in the fourth quarter. Coach Greg McMackin said they'll probably play next week.

Defensive tackle Keala Watson was helped from the field in the second quarter, but returned to action.

Libre breaks through for TD

Senior running back Daniel Libre scored the first touchdown of his career in the second quarter, a 3-yard run that cut Boise State's lead to 10-7.

Libre emerged as a weapon late last season, and was UH's third-leading rusher entering the game, but had to wait until last night to record his first Division I score.

Galdeira, Maka make debuts

Seniors Guyton Galdeira and Francis Maka made their season debuts on the game's opening kickoff as members of the Warriors' coverage team. Galdeira rejoined the team last week and Maka's appeal for a sixth year was approved by the NCAA a day later.

Maka's night was brief, though. He suffered a concussion and was limited to one snap on defense.

McMackin: If I had a do-over ...

McMackin said if he could do it over again, he would have kicked a field goal on the Warriors' first possession.

After the Warrior defense stopped Boise State to open the game, Hawaii drove to the Broncos 15, where they faced fourth and 1. McMackin sent the offense back on the field and Kealoha Pilares was dropped for a 3-yard loss. The Warriors converted on fourth and 1 earlier in the drive.

“;I should have gone for the field goal,”; McMackin said. “;We had the momentum going and there was 1 yard. I normally don't make emotional decisions. I asked the offense if they had a play for it, they said they did, so I went for it. Should have gone for the field goal.”;

Elimimian nears record for tackles

Hawaii linebacker Solomon Elimimian finished with seven tackles last night, leaving him three short of the school record.

Elimimian has 363 stops and is chasing the UH mark held by Levi Stanley.

He entered the week second nationally in career tackles among active players.

Road winning streak ends

The Warriors had a run of eight straight WAC road wins snapped. The team's last loss on a league foe's field came on Sept. 16, 2006, at Bronco Stadium, where UH is now 0-4.