AZUSA, California – It was another battle down the stretch but the Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball team fell just short at the end to Azusa Pacific, 68-61, Thursday evening in Pacific West Conference play at the Felix Event Center.
The Vulcans were in catch-up mode a majority of the contest after the Cougars managed to end the last five minutes of the opening quarter with a 15-2 scoring spree. Hawai'i Hilo continued to fight, and despite falling to as large of a deficit as 13 points late in the third period, the Vulcans inched their way forward to flip the score to a one-possession affair with under 30 seconds to go following a 3-pointer from Kaile Cruz.
From there, APU was able to ice the game with free throws — finishing the game at 17 of 22 while the Vulcans took just eight total trips to the charity stripe.
Kamalu Kamakawiwoole led the Vulcans with 17 points (7-11 FG) with seven rebounds along with stout defense on three blocks and three steals.
Erica Ingram also posted double-digit points with two key 3-pointers down the stretch.
UP NEXT
Hawai'i Hilo moved to a 4-7 overall record (1-4 PacWest) while Azusa Pacific moved to 5-0 in conference play (11-3 overall). The two teams will meet again Jan. 27 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
The Vulcans wrap up their Southern California road slate this Saturday against Point Loma at noon (2 p.m. PT) in the Golden Gymnasium.
Hawai'i Hilo will return to the Big Island to host Dominican (Jan. 11) and Academy of Art (Jan. 15). Next Thursday night's matchup will be "Welcome Back Students" night sponsored by Pepsi. Attending University of Hawai'i at Hilo and Hawai'i Community College students will receive a free Pepsi-brand drink with opportunities to win prizes at halftime.
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.
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/LiveStream.
