HALAWA — True freshman quarterback Chevan Cordeiro (Saint Louis '18) made his third appearance of the season and sparked the University of Hawaii football team in the fourth quarter with 4-of-5 passing for 153 yards and three touchdowns as the Rainbow Warriors overcame the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels, 35-28, Saturday night at Hawaiian Financial FCU Field at Aloha Stadium.

Down 28-13 in the fourth quater, Cordeiro came in at quarterback in relief of starter Cole McDonald and promptly threw a 64-yard pass to JoJo Ward, who cut back and raced his way to the end zone.

Linebacker Penei Pavihi came up with a big fourth down stop on the Rebels ensuing drive to give the Rainbow Warriors the ball back at their own 46 yard line. Seven plays later, Cordeiro hit Ward in the back the of the end zone on a tip-toe grab. Ryan Meskell's PAT kick tied the game at 28.

Pavihi again came up big with a sack on third down to force UNLV to punt the ball back with 2:42 remaining in the game.

Four plays later, Cordeiro launched a strike down the right sideline to an open John Ursua who took it all the way to the end zone for 68 yards.

The Hawaii defense forced three incompletions and Kendall Hune stopped UNLV quarterback Armani Rogers on fourth down to complete the comeback victory.

The win broke a four-game losing skid for the Rainbow Warriors as they improved to 7-5 and clinched bowl eligibility by surpassing the .500 win mark.

It was also Senior Night with 18 seniors honored following their final regular season game at home.

The Rainbow Warriors also claimed the Island Showdown Trophy — a large golden pineapple given to the winner of each year's Hawaii-UNLV contest.

Prior to kickoff, Farrington '99 grad and former Rainbow Warrior Vince Manuwai was honored with his passing on Nov. 4. Hawaii coaches wore T-shirts with his last name and No. 65 during the game while players had his number decal added to the side of their helmets.

Hawaii will close out the regular season on the road against San Diego State.

The Hawaii Bowl is scheduled for Dec. 22 against an opponent from Conference USA.