HILO, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball fell to Concordia University Irvine, 70-55, Thursday afternoon in Pacific West Conference play at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
Just two points separated both teams on the scoreboard as time was winding down on the opening half, but CUI managed to hit a three-point buzzer beater — second buzzer beater of the game — to push out further in front. The Golden Eagles managed to start the third quarter with eight consecutive points as they maintained a double-digit lead through a majority of the rest of the contest.
The Vulcans were down to just six players active in the lineup, ending the evening with just five available in rotation after Kacie Febo-Santiago fouled out with just over a minute remaining.
Senior Kaile Cruz again one-upped a previous career high by putting in 27 points on 11-of-20 shooting with four 3-pointers.
GAME NOTES
- Hawai'i Hilo: 5-11 Overall (3-8 PacWest)
- Preseason Coaches Poll: No. 11
- Current Standing: No. T10
- Concordia: 9-7 Overall (7-4 PacWest)
- Preseason Coaches Poll: No. 10
- Current Standing: No. 6
UP NEXT
- Saturday, Jan. 24 (1 PM) vs Biola (Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium)
- Student Appreciation — first come, first serve for T-shirts
- Thursday, Jan. 29 (3:30 PM) vs Azusa Pacific (Azusa, California)
- Saturday, Jan. 31 (3:30 PM) vs Westmont (Santa Barbara, California)
PACWEST PRESEASON POLL
Hawai'i Hilo was voted No. 11 in the Pacific West Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. The Vulcans finished the 2024-25 regular season tied at No. 10 in the conference standings. The six-team 2025-26 PacWest Championships will be hosted by PLNU on March 5-7 in San Diego.
