SAN RAFAEL, California – A 10-0 run midway through the second half put the Vulcans right back within striking distance, but the Penguins managed to oust all opposing momentum with a 16-2 scoring streak of their own as Hawai'i Hilo Men's Basketball fell to Dominican, 80-67, Monday night in Pacific West Conference action at the Conlan Center.

It was a close affair through the opening 20 minutes of play until Dominican began to pull away for a 10-point lead through the early parts of the second half. From there, Hawai'i Hilo exploded for a 10-0 run and subsequently took the lead at 51-50 with just over 10 minutes left to go.

But from there, the Penguins managed to get hot and shot 8 of 11 from the field to outscore the Vulcans, 30-16, the rest of the way.

Hawai'i Hilo had its lowest outside-shooting output of the season, making just one 3-pointer on 19 attempts (.053). The Vulcans also shot just 57.1 percent (12 of 21) from the free throw line while Dominican posted 21 of 23 (.913) from the charity stripe — the highest mark by an opponent this season.

Kalique Mitchell led with 21 points (8-11 FG) while Nadjrick Peat had his second double-double of the season with 10 rebounds and 13 points.

The two teams previously met in Hilo in mid-January with the Vulcans victorious, 66-54.

UP NEXT

Hawai'i Hilo moved to a 15-11 overall record (9-8 PacWest) while Dominican moved to 7-10 in conference play (10-15 overall).

The Vulcans continue on the road against Fresno Pacific (Feb. 22) and Westmont (Feb. 24) before returning 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 remained in the No. 5 spot while Dominican sits outside at No. 7.

Point Loma, Academy of Art and HPU have clinched three of the postseason berths.