HILO, Hawai'i – The Hawai'i Hilo Men's Basketball team overcame a slow start to take down Concordia University Irvine, 66-56, Saturday night in Pacific West Conference action at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
Early turnovers gave CUI an early lead after three minutes of play in the opening half, but the Vulcans awoke and shut the Golden Eagles down to just nine points the rest of the period as Hawai'i Hilo put up 29 of its own to take a 13-point lead into halftime at a 33-18 score.
CUI managed to come out the break with better execution to whittle the margin down to single digits at the halfway point of the second half, but the Vulcans found their groove to make 7 of 7 shots for a 15-4 run with five minutes remaining. The Golden Eagles managed to return the favor with seven consecutive baskets of their own for a 20-9 run to close out the game, but Hawai'i Hilo proved to be too much to overcome.
Carlos Ramsey Jr. led the Vulcans with 18 points and four steals off the bench. Kalique Mitchell and Cameron Wall followed with 12 points each while Zoar Nedd collected 12 rebounds.
The two teams had previously met in early January with Ramsey Jr. providing last-second heroics for the game-winning basket in a 53-51 win.
HFS FAN FUN NIGHT
Saturday's game was HFS Fan Fun Night sponsored by HFS Federal Credit Union.
Attending fans were treated to sweepstakes giveaways as well as participation in our halftime contest.
Visit hfsfcu.org for more information.
THINK PINK
In reciprocation of Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball's annual Play4Kay game, the Vulcans donned pink pregame shirts for Think Pink Night, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
The Play4Kay game supports former legendary women's basketball coach Sandra Kay Yow and the Kay Yow Cancer fund, honoring warriors and survivors in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
UP NEXT
Hawai'i Hilo moved to a 15-9 overall record (9-6 PacWest) while Concordia University Irvine moved to 7-9 in conference play (10-12 overall).
The Vulcans will hit the road for a four-game trip against Academy of Art (Feb. 17), Dominican (Feb. 19), Fresno Pacific (Feb. 22) and Westmont (Feb. 24) before returning home for one last home contest against HPU on March 2 for Senior Night.
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.
Hawai'i Hilo moved up to a tie at the No. 4 spot with Biola while CUI now sits outside the bubble at No. 7.
Academy of Art and Point Loma is tied at the top with 11-4 records. HPU lurks closely behind at 10-4.
