AZUSA, California – Hawai'i Hilo Men's Basketball edged out Azusa Pacific, 83-79, in overtime on Thursday evening in Pacific West Conference action at the Felix Events Center.
Dre Nobles cleaned up the offensive boards with a tip-in layup with seconds to go in regulation to tie the score at 72-all — following up a preceding long-range splash by Nobles that evened the score just under the one-minute mark.
In the extra period, Nobles helped break a 77-77 ballgame with another scoop and score collection on the offensive end before Julio Montes II hit the final go-ahead basket less than 20 seconds later to answer back an APU score. The Vulcans defense forced the Cougars to go 0 of 5 on their remaining shot attempts as Montes II hit two more free throws to seal up the victory.
Nobles finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Montes II poured in 22 points and was a perfect 12 for 12 at the free throw line. Alex Horiuk (19 points: 8-12 FG; 12 rebounds) and Jamal Entezami (13 points) also finished with double-digit scoring figures.
GAME NOTES
- The two teams will play again Feb. 21 in Hilo.
- Hawai'i Hilo: 4-15 Overall (4-9 PacWest)
- Preseason Coaches Poll: No. T2
- Current Standing: No. 11
- Azusa Pacific: 6-10 Overall (4-7 PacWest)
- Preseason Coaches Poll: No. 5
- Current Standing: No. 10
UP NEXT
- Saturday, Jan. 31 (5:30 PM) vs Westmont (Santa Barbara, California)
- Tuesday, Feb. 3 (3:30 PM) vs Vanguard (Costa Mesa, California)
- Thursday, Feb. 5 (5:30 PM) vs Biola (La Mirada, California)
- Saturday, Feb. 7 (5 PM) vs Concordia (Irvine, California)
- Thursday, Feb. 12 (7 PM) vs Jessup (Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium)
PACWEST PRESEASON POLL
Hawai'i Hilo was voted No. 2 in the Pacific West Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, tying with Fresno Pacific. The Vulcans finished the 2024-25 regular season in a three-way tie at No. 4 in the conference standings and was one of six teams to qualify for the PacWest Conference Championships postseason tournament, falling to defending champ Point Loma in the semifinal round. The six-team 2025-26 PacWest Championships will be hosted by Point Loma on March 5-7 in San Diego.
