HONOLULU—Basketball is often a game of runs and momentum changes.

In its 2016-17 Pacific West Conference opener, the Hawai`i Hilo Vulcans used decisive runs at the end of the first three quarters and another at the beginning of the fourth to pave the way for a 58-53 victory over Chaminade at McCabe Gymnasium on Wednesday night.

The victory was the first of the season for the Vulcans (1-2), and more importantly makes them 1-0 in conference play. The Silverswords are now 0-3 on the season and 0-1 in PWC play.

"It wasn't perfect, but it feels good to get the win," said Vulcan head coach David Kaneshiro. "We have worked hard since practice began on October 15. It's nice to get the first win into the books."

Asia Smith led the Vulcans with 13 points and she was joined in double figures by Alexa Jacobs with 11 and Patience Taylor with 10.

UHH closed the first quarter on a 5-0 run to take a 13-12 lead, and then pieced together a 7-0 run right before the end of the half to take a 29-22 margin into the locker room. At the end of the second quarter, it was a basket by Taylor, one by Smith and a field goal and free throw by Vanessa Mancera that gave the visitors the lead.

Sharlei Graham-Bernisto hit a three-pointer early in the third quarter to give the Vuls a 10-point lead (38-28), but a 10-0 Silverswords run, fueled by eight points from Lilia Maio tied the game at 38-38. UHH then closed the period on a 6-0 run with two baskets by Jacobs and one by Sydney Mercer, making it 44-38 heading into the fourth quarter.

Hawai`i Hilo hit four of its first five field goal attempts in the final period, including a three-pointer by Lauren Hong, her first basket in her first game of the year. 

A bucket in the paint by Taylor would give the Vuls a 57-45 lead with just under three minutes left, their biggest margin of the contest—although Chaminade would make a final run of their own cutting the deficit to 57-53 with 39 seconds left. They had a chance moments later to make it a one possession game, but two missed shots and a Graham-Bernisto free throw sealed the verdict.

"We survived," Kaneshiro added. "Our turnovers hurt us (21). But at times we played well on defense and I thought we moved the ball around effectively. It was a tight game but it turned out well. I am happy for our team."

Hawai`i Hilo held a 36-29 rebound advantage over Chaminade, with Mercer leading the way (seven boards). They shot 42 percent from the field compared to 36 percent for CU. Kristle Henry led the home team with 11 points.

The Vulcans will remain in Honolulu to take on Hawai`i Pacific on Friday, start time at 4:30 p.m.