Hilo, HI- In the first of four meetings with UH-Hilo, John Smith’s buzzer beating three from the top of the key proved to be the difference in a 80-78 Vulcan win.
The game was back and forth throughout as UH-Hilo held the slimmest of leads at the break, 38-37.
Chaminade responded in the second half, taking the lead for most of the second twenty minutes. The Swords were up two with twenty seconds left, before Jay DeMaestri hit a fade-away baseline jumper to tie the score. A foul was also called on the play, and DeMaestri’s free throw gave the Vulcans a 77-76 lead.
The Swords would respond, as
Jamar Berry finished a drive to put the Swords up one, 78-77 with 4.9 seconds left to setup the final play.
The Swords shot 51% from the floor and 94% from the FT line. CUH was led by junior
Jamar Berry with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Joel Smith added 16 points, while
Mohamed Tangara added 14 points and 9 rebounds.
John Smith led UH Hilo with 24 points, while Jay DeMaestri added 21 points.
The two teams meet again tomorrow night at 7:30 PM HT at the UHH Gymnasium.
Chaminade is now 12-9, 7-4 in the Pac West. UH Hilo moves to 12-10, 6-4 in the Pac West.
