The Wolf Pack (5-1, 2-0) scored first on a Brandon Talton 23-yard field goal midway through the first quarter, but the lead lasted just one play after Dae Dae Hunter took a first-down handoff and raced 75 yards to the end zone for Hawaii (3-4, 1-2). Nevada went up 10-7 on Toa Taua’s 6-yard TD run with 12:58 left in the second quarter, but again the lead lasted one play after Hunter took a first-down handoff 81 yards for a score. The Wolf Pack answered with a 10-yard TD run by Taua for a 17-14 lead. Both teams added field goals before halftime.

Strong took over in the third quarter for Nevada, throwing scoring passes of 28 yards to Romeo Doubs and a 3-yarder to Tory Horton, as the Wolf Pack upped their lead to 34-17 with 2:25 left in the period.

Strong completed 34 of 54 passes and Cole Turner had 12 catches for 175 yards.

Nevada defensive tackle Tristan Nichols, a former Maui High School standout, had three tackles for loss — including two sacks — for 13 yards. He now has a team-leading eight sacks and nine tackles for loss in five games this season.

Hunter rushed for 174 yards and the two long TDs on just eight carries — all in the first half — for the Rainbow Warriors. Brayden Schager completed 22 of 39 passes for 205 yards and four interceptions.

UH hosts New Mexico State next Saturday.