LANGLEY, Canada – The Vulcans opened the game knotted up with the Falcons through the first 10 minutes of play before the Hawai'i Hilo Men's Basketball team exploded for 23 points to extend itself and nab the victory over Seattle Pacific, 76-57, Saturday afternoon on Day 2 of the CCA Canadian Tip-Off Classic.
Hawai'i Hilo took off from a 15-15 tied score to go on a 23-5 run to close out the first half, shooting 10 of 16 from the field while causing seven turnovers. The second-half lead grew to as large as 22 points and never fell to single digits.
Charles Elzie III led the Vulcans with 21 points (7-12 FG), eight rebounds and six steals — matching seven other single-game performances ranked at No. 2 in program history.
Carlos Ramsey Jr. followed with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Kalique Mitchell again put in double-digit scoring figures, finishing with 14 to go along with seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
The Vulcans improved on their free throw shooting from opening night, going 19 of 24 (79.2 percent) against SPU.
UP NEXT
Hawai'i Hilo moved to 2-0 overall as Seattle Pacific moved to an 0-2 record.
The Vulcans will conclude play at the CCA Canadian Tip-Off Classic with a short turnaround for Sunday's matchup against Western Washington set for 8:30 a.m. (10:30 a.m. Pacific Time). Note that Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday morning at 2 a.m. and time zone differences will occur.
Hawai'i Hilo will then head to Southern California for contests against Saint Martin's (Nov. 10) and Montana State Billings (Nov. 11) before competing on O'ahu against UH Manoa (Nov. 14) and Chaminade (Nov. 16).
First home match is set for Saturday, Nov. 25 against Northwest Indian College at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium with a 7 p.m. tip-off.
(UPDATE 11/14/13): The previously mentioned Vulcan Madness will no longer be happening.
PRESEASON RECOGNITION
The Vulcans garnered 90 points to slot in a No. 3 in the Pacific West Conference Preseason Coaches Poll released at the end of October.
Hawai'i Hilo finished last season at 17-9 overall with a 13-7 conference record, good for No. 4 in the regular-season standings to earn a trip to the postseason tournament. The Vulcans fell to Biola in the PacWest Championships First Round.
Among the team's eight returnees is 2022-23 PacWest Conference Newcomer of the Year and All-PacWest Second Team selection Carlos Ramsey Jr., who was voted to the 2023-24 All-PacWest Preseason Team.
The Vulcans added five transfers and one freshman for head coach Kaniela Aiona's fourth season.
SEASON TICKETS
Single-game and season tickets are now available to be purchased online through Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans Athletics' recently launched online ticket platform in partnership with AudienceView Campus.
The 2023-24 slate will feature 28 total home contests at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium with a package price of $130 for adults and $65 for seniors (ages 65-plus) and middle/high school students.
Both can be accessed at HiloAthletics.com/tickets. Official announcement to come soon.
VIDEO STREAM PACKAGES
The Hawai'i Hilo Men's Basketball team will have 14 home games available to be viewed online through our video stream broadcasts in partnership with Out of the Sea Media Arts Inc.
Single-game viewing will be priced at $10 with a season-package offering of $105.
More information is available at HiloAthletics.com/LiveVideo. Official announcement to come soon.
