University of Houston sophomore wide receiver Nathaniel Dell posted six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown, but it would not be enough as Hawai'i took advantage of a quick start to claim a 28-14 win in the New Mexico Bowl inside Toyota Stadium.

Hawai'i (5-4) took advantage of two Houston turnovers to score 14 points in the first quarter and built a 21-0 lead at the halftime break.

However, the Cougars (3-5) mounted a comeback in the second half and moved to within a touchdown in the third quarter.

After compiling only 87 yards in the entire first half, Houston took the second-half kickoff and embarked on a 17-play, 75-yard drive that was capped when junior quarterback hit Dell on a 7-yard touchdown strike for a 21-7 Hawai'i lead with 7:39 left.

Forcing a 3-and-out on Hawai'i's next possession, the Cougars made it a one-score game at 21-14 when Tune connected with junior tight end Christian Trahan on a 26-yard touchdown with 3:45 remaining.

Unfortunately, that would be as close as Houston would get the rest of the way. On the ensuing kickoff, Hawai'i's Calvin Turner outraced the Cougar defenders to the end zone on a 92-yard touchdown return.

Tune finished with 216 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 20-of-38 passing but was picked off three times. Trahan posted five catches for 88 yards and a score, while senior running back Mulbah Car led the Houston ground attack with 47 rushing yards on 15 carries.

Hawai'i quarterback Chevan Cordeiro led the Rainbow Warriors with 136 passing yards and three touchdowns.

On the defensive side, Houston defensive back Hasaan Hypolite led the Cougars with 10 tackles, including five solo stops, and added a pass breakup. Senior safety Deontay Anderson logged nine tackles and one sack as the Cougars limited Hawai'i to just 35 total yards.