HONOLULU, Hawai'i – Four Vulcans put in double-digit scoring figures as the Hawai'i Hilo men's basketball team got off to a 1-0 start in Pacific West Conference play after fending off HPU, 71-66, Thursday night at The Shark Tank.
Hawai'i used runs of 11-0 and 10-0 in the early section of the second half to power its way to its largest lead of 21 points at a 52-31 edge.
However, the Vulcans would proceed to shoot 0 of 4 from the field with four giveaways as the Sharks went on a 15-0 run of their own to cut the deficit at the midway point of the second period.
The lead got cut down to as little as four points with two minutes left, but the Vulcans hit six free throws the rest of the way to preserve victory No. 1 in conference play.
By The Numbers
- Carlos Ramsey Jr. played in his first game since the season opener, putting in 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting while going 7 of 8 at the free-throw line against HPU.
- Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones followed with 17 points, six assists and one shy of a double-double after racking up nine.
- Nadjrick Peat notched his second double-double with 16 points (7-8 FG) and 10 rebounds while blocking four shots.
- Marquis Moore lead HPU with 21 points while contributing five rebounds and four assists.
- Melo Sanchez followed with 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.
- Maj Dusanic had a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.
What's Next
Hawai'i Hilo moved up to 3-1 overall, 1-0 PacWest as HPU fell to a 4-4 record (0-2 PacWest).
The Vulcans will continue on O'ahu against Chaminade on Saturday, Dec. 3 for a 2 p.m. tip off.
Both teams will meet again on the Big Island for a Dec. 3 matchup at the Afook Chinen-Civic Auditorium.
