COSTA MESA, California – Hawai'i Hilo Men's Basketball bounced back with a 68-64 victory over Vanguard on Tuesday evening in Pacific West Conference play at the Freed Center for Leadership and Service.

The Vulcans kept pace and led the entire second half with as big of a lead as nine points with just over 30 seconds to go. Despite Hawai'i Hilo going 5 of 6 at the free throw line the rest of the way, Vanguard made a final mad dash by trading in 10 points to hold onto a small glimmer of hope with just a four-point margin and single-digit seconds left. However, it wouldn't be enough as time expired with the Vulcans on top.

Dre Nobles put together a third career double-double on 15 points and 16 rebounds. The Vulcans dominated the glass and out-rebounded the Lions at a 45-25 clip (13 second-chance points).

Julio Montes II had a team-high 16 points with three rebounds, five assists and two steals.

GAME NOTES

• It was the Vulcans' fourth win in the last five games as they continue to sprint down the final stretch toward qualifying for the conference postseason tournament with seven contests remaining.
• Tuesday's basketball doubleheader had the men's teams playing first followed by the women's teams in support of Nation Women in Sports Day (Feb. 4).
• Hawai'i Hilo: 5-16 Overall (5-10 PacWest)
  • Preseason Coaches Poll: No. T2
  • Current Standing: No. 11
• Vanguard: 11-9 Overall (7-7 PacWest)
  • Preseason Coaches Poll: No. 9
  • Current Standing: No. T7
• Previous Matchup: Vanguard W, 72-70 on Jan. 17 in Hilo

UP NEXT

• 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.