FRESNO, California – Carlos Ramsey Jr. poured in 20 first-half points to help lead the charge as the Hawai'i Hilo men's basketball team defeated Fresno Pacific, 75-58, Tuesday evening in Pacific West Conference action at the Special Events Center.
With the score at a four-point differential near the five-minute mark of the first period, Hawai'i Hilo went on a 15-3 run to take a 45-33 lead at the break.
Ramsey Jr. finished the first 20 minutes going 3 for 3 from downtown and 5 of 5 at the free throw line to total 20 points before finishing with a season-high 26.
The Vulcans never let their lead drop down to single digits in the second half as they built up to their largest lead of 23 to take the win.
Hawai'i Hilo remained at the No. 2 spot in the standings behind Point Loma Nazarene while FPU fell into a tie with Holy Names for 10th place.
By The Numbers
- The Vulcans posted a season-high team-total eight blocks led by Nadjrick Peat's fifth four-block game of the season. Peat totaled 12 points (6-8 FG) and 11 rebounds for his third double-double.
- Kalique Mitchell swatted a season-high three blocks while adding 10 points and four boards.
- Hawai'i Hilo shot 50.9 percent from the field (29-57 FG) and 50.0 percent from beyond the arc (5 of 10) as Fresno Pacific finished 20 of 57 (35.1 percent).
- Nate Kendricks and Kyle Monk led the scoring for the Sunbirds with 12 points apiece.
What's Next
Hawai'i Hilo moved to 13-4 overall, 9-3 PacWest while Fresno Pacific moved to a 5-13 record (2-9 PacWest).
The Vulcans continue on in northern California with a matchup against Dominican on Friday, Jan. 27. The women will tip off at 5:30 p.m. local Pacific Time (3:30 p.m. Hawai'i Time) followed by the men's game at 7:30 p.m. PT (5:30 p.m. HT).
The two teams previously met Jan. 9 in Hilo with the Vulcans winning, 81-67.
Hawai'i Hilo will return for two final home games on Feb. 8 and Feb. 11 — matching up again with Fresno Pacific on the latter date for Senior Night.
The Sunbirds will host Point Loma Nazarene Jan. 28.
Amongst the Best in the West
Hawai'i Hilo came in ranked at a tie for No. 6 in the latest Division II Sports Information Directors Association (D2SIDA) West Region Media Poll released earlier on Monday.
At the top was Point Loma Nazarene with Azusa Pacific tied with the Vulcans at the sixth spot. Academy of Art followed at No. 8 and Biola at No. 10.
The D2SIDA regional poll is released every Monday, followed by the national poll every Tuesday.
Each region has six representatives (two per conference) who comprise the regional poll. The national poll has 16 voters — two from each region. The poll is in its ninth season of existence and is recognized by the NCAA.
