Alejado-Lacaden combo helps send Hawaii past UTEP 17-14

Hawaii secured a 17-14 victory over UTEP on Saturday, thanks to the impressive dual performance of Micah Alejado and Titan Lacaden. Alejado contributed 303 passing yards and a touchdown, while Lacaden reached a career-high 109 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. Lacaden also had 11 receptions on the day. Audric Harris added 101 receiving yards on four catches.

Hawaii took an early lead in the first quarter with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Alejado to Lacaden. UTEP responded with a 20-yard field goal by Sean Olvera-Harle and a touchdown run by Lamar Sperling. The Rainbow Warriors extended their lead to 17-14 through a 12-play, 98-yard drive that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown run by Sitani Mikaele.

Despite a seven-play, 79-yard drive by UTEP, which included a touchdown pass from Raymond Moore to Judah Ezinwa, Hawaii maintained control. Moore finished with 109 passing yards and a touchdown, while Sperling contributed 63 rushing yards and a score. In their last five matchups, Hawaii has won four games against UTEP. Hawaii is set to host North Dakota State in their next game.