HONOLULU, Hawai'i – Fifth-year senior Mandi Kawaha poured in a career-high 36 points to set the Hawai'i Hilo program single-game scoring record, but the Vulcans fell in overtime to HPU, 84-78, Thursday evening at The Shark Tank to open Pacific West Conference play.
Facing an eight-point deficit through the midway section of the fourth quarter, Kawaha helped the Vulcans mount a late comeback by hitting three free throws to start the uphill battle. A 3-pointer with 33 seconds tied the score at 67 to send the game to overtime.
Twenty one of the Hilo-native's 36 total points came in the second half, finishing 11 of 26 from the field with four 3-pointers and shooting 10 of 10 at the free-throw line.
Kawaha bested the single-game program record by two points, which had been previously reached three times — first by Sheila Azevedo on Nov. 28, 2006 and twice by Allie Navarette on Jan. 13, 2020 and Feb. 10, 2020.
With three assists on the evening, Kawaha also became the program's new all-time career leader, surpassing Ashley Kualii's (2007-10) 355 total.
The Sharks pulled away from the Vulcans for the win in overtime after getting to the free-throw line 13 times in the final five-minute period.
Coming out of halftime, Hawai'i Hilo outscored HPU, 13-0, to take an eight-point advantage after forcing four turnovers and holding the Sharks to 0-for-6 shooting through the first half of the period.
By The Numbers
- Kamalu Kamakawiwoole (12 points), Jenna Waki (10) and Keirstyn Agonias (10) each finished with double-digit scoring figures.
- Bree Olson totaled three blocks to go along with seven rebounds and four points.
- The Vulcans shot 37.5 percent from beyond the arc (6 of 16) while the Sharks were just 2 of 8.
- HPU got to the free-throw line 30 times, making 20 of its attempts (66.7 percent) as the Vulcans shot 16 of 19.
- Abby Spurgin had a double-double with 10 rebounds and 35 points (15 of 25) for the Sharks. Kalina Obrey also totaled a double-double on 14 points and 13 boards.
What's Next
Hawai'i Hilo fell even to 3-3 overall, 0-1 PacWest while HPU moved to a 2-3 record (2-0 PacWest).
The Vulcans will stay on O'ahu to take on Chaminade (0-5 overall, 0-1 PacWest) on Saturday at noon in McCabe Gymnasium.
The Sharks will next travel to the Big Island to play Hawai'i Hilo on Dec. 10 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium for a quick second-round turnaround.
