HILO, Hawai'i – It was a tough night for points all around as the Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball team was outlasted by Dominican, 51-39, Thursday evening in Pacific West Conference action at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Both teams combined to shoot just 28.1 percent through the first 20 minutes of play as the Penguins took a 22-19 advantage into halftime. The shooting woes continued, but Dominican was able to expand its lead to double digits as it came away with the victory in the end.

"I didn't think offensively we executed very well but have to give Dominican credit," Vulcans head coach David Kaneshiro said. "They have a certain style and you've got to really be sharp in your execution. Offensively, we played a little bit better in the second half — got some open shots but just couldn't quite come down."

The Vulcans posted their lowest scoring output of the season, both in points and field goal percentage (.281), while the Penguins also had their lowest points total as well as their second-worst shooting performance (.340). On the flip side of the coin, Thursday's match marked as Hawai'i Hilo's best defensive game with the lowest number of points allowed to a Division-II opponent this season.

"We've been improving a whole lot since mid-December," Kaneshiro continued. "We're working really hard and I'm excited about their improvement so we just got to learn from this one and be ready to go Monday."

It was the first game back at home after a four-game road trip through Southern California that saw the Vulcans battle deep through each of their four contests, coming away with two victories.

UP NEXT

Hawai'i Hilo moved to a 5-8 overall record (2-5 PacWest) while Dominican moved to 5-2 in conference play (12-3 overall). The two teams will meet again Feb. 19 in San Rafael, California.

The Vulcans will continue their current homestand with six more contests at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, hosting Academy of Art next Monday, Jan. 15 at 5 p.m.

PATH TO PACWEST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The top six teams at the end of the regular season will make it to San Diego for the 2023-24 PacWest Conference Tournament set for March 7-9 at Point Loma's Golden Gymnasium.

Dominican sits at No. 3 in the standings with Hawai'i Hilo still vying for position at the No. 9 spot.

Azusa Pacific is at the top with a 7-0 record.