The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team got revenge for its early Christmas present in the form of a 56-46 victory over UC Riverside tonight.

A crowd of 3,690 at the Stan Sheriff Center watched the Rainbow Warriors improve to 6-3 with their sixth consecutive home victory. The Highlanders, who upset Hawai'i last season at Riverside, Calif., dropped to 7-3.

Roderick Flemings scored 16 points, including 10-of-13 shooting on free throws, to lead the 'Bows.

Petras Balocka added 12 points and nine rebounds, and Adhar Mayen scored 10 for Hawai'i.

Bill Amis grabbed seven rebounds, but scored a season-low two points before fouling out with 5:58 remaining in the game.

It was an offensive struggle for both teams throughout.

The 'Bows shot 37.8 percent (14 of 37) from the field, including 16.7 percent (1 of 6) from 3-point range. The Highlanders were worse, shooting 28.0 percent (14 of 50) from the field and 8.3 percent (1 of 12) from 3-point range.

Hawai'i made up for it by hitting 27 of 33 free throws. UC Riverside went 17 of 25 from the free-throw line.

The 'Bows took a 25-20 lead at halftime, thanks in part to 13-of-14 shooting from the free-throw line in the first half.

Neither team made a field goal in the final 9:28 of the first half.

Hawai'i increased the lead to 31-22 early in the second half, and the Highlanders never got closer than six points the rest of the way.

Flemings sealed the win with a highlight-reel dunk with 1:04 remaining.

Kyle Austin led the Highlanders with 13 points, and Aaron Scott added 12.

It was Hawai'i's first game since Dec. 15. The 'Bows had last week off to concentrate on final examinations.

Hawai'i's next game is scheduled for Saturday against Colorado State on the opening night of the 45th annual Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic. The 'Bows will play three games in four days during the eight-team tournament.