FRESNO, Calif. — Steve Lakalaka scored his second short touchdown with 59 seconds left in the game and Rigoberto Sanchez’ extra point lifted Hawaii to a 14-13 Mountain West Conference victory over Fresno State Saturday night.
Kody Kroening, who had made 15 consecutive field goals for Fresno State, had his 43-yard attempt blocked as time expired and the Bulldogs saw their losing streak extend to nine games.
It was a familiar scene for the rival schools. Four of the last six meetings between the teams have been decided by a touchdown or less.
Hawaii’s Marcus Kemp dropped a third-down pass in the end zone with 1:22 left in the game, but Fresno State was flagged for roughing the passer, giving the Warriors a first down. Two plays later Lakalaka scored.
Fresno State (1-10, 0-7 Mountain West) has lost four of five home games and the last three under interim coach Eric Kiesau, who took over after head coach Tim DeRuyter was fired.
Hawaii (5-7, 4-4) snapped a three-game losing streak and a five-game losing streak to Fresno State.
The UH win gives the Warriors their most league wins in a single-season (4) since joining the Mountain West in 2012 and their highest overall win total since 2011 (6). The team’s three road wins are also the most in a season since the 2010 won four away games.
The Rainbow Warriors close out the season next week at home against Massachusetts.