IRVINE, Calif. » The early-season slide for the Hawaii men's basketball team continued last night at the Bren Events Center as the Rainbow Warriors fell to UC Irvine 80-70 in a nonconference game before a crowd of 1,248.

After winning its first two games to start the season, UH has lost four straight. It also marks the second straight season the Rainbows have fallen victim to UC Irvine, having lost a 76-70 decision to the Anteaters in the ESPNU BracketBuster event last February.

“;We were ready to play, but they hit us with a bunch of baskets to start the game and we couldn't hit any,”; said Rainbows coach Bob Nash.

The Anteaters jumped on the Rainbows at both ends of the court from the opening tip. UC Irvine scored on eight of its first 10 trips down the floor. Zack Atkinson's basket gave the Anteaters a 17-2 lead with 14:40 remaining in the first half, and UC Irvine upped its lead to 27-7 on a jumper by Pavol Losonsky at the 11:07 mark.

A combination of a UH rally and Anteaters' cold shooting allowed the Rainbows to battle back. Adhar Mayen's bucket with 1:48 left in the half trimmed the UC Irvine lead to 33-22, but the Anteaters held UH scoreless the rest of the half. Derick Flowers and Atkinson added late baskets to propel UC Irvine to a 15-point halftime lead.

Losonsky made all six of his shots and scored 13 points for UC Irvine in the first half. The Rainbows shot only 27 percent (7-for-26) in the opening 20 minutes (42 percent for the game) while the Anteaters shot 58.3 percent (14-for-24).

The Rainbows came out aggressive in the second half and quickly cut the Anteaters' lead to 41-33 on a basket by Brandon Adams with 15:48 to play. Adams scored a career-high 15 points on 7-for-10 shooting.

“;We continued to work hard through adversity,”; said Adams, a senior from Seattle. “;We came out bad in the first half, so we need to start games better and be better prepared.”;

Guard Hiram Thompson scored 15 points, dished out eight assists (a career-best) and had six rebounds for the Rainbows.

As the second half wound down both teams traded baskets until Roderick Flemings hit back-to-back 3-pointers to cut the lead to 55-52 with 7:24 to play. But Emil Kim and Patrick Rembert (10 points) added key baskets to build the UC Irvine lead back to 10 at 62-52 with 5:15 left.

Down the stretch, the Anteaters went 18-for-21 from the foul line to maintain the lead and seal the victory.

Flemings' play in the second half was outstanding as he led the Rainbows' comeback. He finished with a season-high 25 points on 7-for-17 shooting, including 4-for-9 on 3-pointers.

“;We should not have given up 80 points tonight,”; said Flemings. “;We need to work on our defense. We're getting some guys that are going to help us, but we have to get tougher on defense.”;

It was the fourth straight game that UH gave up 80 or more points and it was the first time this season the Rainbows have been outrebounded (28-27). UH has dropped 45 of its last 58 road games.

Flemings drew praise from UC Irvine coach Pat Douglass.

“;Flemings is a great player and he got going in the second half,”; said Douglass. “;Hawaii was a tough team for us, because they match up so well against us.”;

Due to injuries and suspensions, UH suited up only 10 players. Dwain Williams (team rules) and Douglas Kurtz (NCAA violation) did not make the trip along with Bill Amis (foot injury) and Rykin Enos. Williams and Kurtz are expected back Sunday against Lamar.

The Rainbows will return home following their short road trip to California and prepare to take on Lamar on Sunday. UH is scheduled to play its next nine games at the Stan Sheriff Center.