LAS CRUCES, N.M. » Perhaps now Daniel Libre can look at a more pleasant image when he logs onto his computer.

A crucial fumble in Hawaii's loss to Utah State weighed on the Hawaii running back throughout the Warriors' stay in El Paso, Texas, last week, and he kept a reminder of the play close at hand leading up to yesterday's game against New Mexico State.

“;That was sitting in my head since it happened,”; Libre said. “;My screensaver on my computer is that picture of me fumbling. I've been thinking about it and trying to focus on not coughing it up like that again and making plays out there to get a W.”;

Libre gained a measure of redemption by rushing for 88 yards—the most by a Hawaii player this season—and two touchdowns to help spark the Warriors' 42-30 Western Athletic Conference win over the Aggies yesterday.

Libre and Kealoha Pilares had taken turns filling in for each other this season while each dealt with injuries. But they finally took the field together yesterday and played major roles in UH's most productive offensive performance.

While Libre set a career high for yards and touchdowns, Pilares—playing primarily at slotback—also surpassed his previous receiving bests with 10 receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown.

“;That's a good combination,”; Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin said. “;We want to get as much speed and athletic ability on the field as we can.”;

Pilares had missed the last two games due to a sprained foot he suffered in UH's loss at Boise State on Oct. 17. He admitted the injury was still in the back of his mind, but showed little effects in his return after a full week of practice.

“;It's been sore, but it's been getting better,”; said Pilares, who also had four carries for 19 yards at running back. “;I just have to keep taking care of it. It hurt a little bit tonight, but I felt good.”;

Libre began the season as one of the Warriors' top backs, but was injured in the opener at Florida. Pilares, a slotback to begin the year, then took over in the backfield until his foot injury reversed their roles again.

With the Warriors' leading scorer back in the picture yesterday, UH quarterback Greg Alexander got the sophomore involved in the offense early and often.

“;He makes a huge difference. He's the most dynamic player we have on offense,”; Alexander said. “;He does a lot of different things for us, when you put the ball in his hands in space he's going to make plays. We just have to give him the ball quick and let him go do his thing.”;

Libre, who ripped off a career-best 48-yard run in the first quarter, said the combination has benefits for both.

“;He opens up things for me and I try to open up things for him,”; Libre said. Libre and Pilares each scored in UH's highest-scoring first half of the season. Libre finished a drive with a 4-yard run to tie the game at 14-14 and Pilares' 6-yard touchdown reception gave the Warriors a commanding 35-17 lead at the break.

Libre added a 3-yard touchdown run with 39 seconds left in the third quarter to cap the Warriors' scoring.

“;I give all the credit to our receivers and the line,”; Libre said. “;They were blocking extremely well. They worked at it all week and it paid off.”;