Honolulu, HI- The Swords took the second of three matchups with Hawaii-Hilo, defeating the Vulcans 68-62.
The game was tight early, with the game tied at 6-6 in the early minutes. Chaminade went on a run going up double figures before the Vulcans narrowed it to 30-25 at the half.
Chaminade looked to run away from UH-Hilo, building a double-digit lead midway through the second half, but the Vulcans would comply, cutting the lead to three in the final minutes. A key defensive stop by Chaminade, led by Waly Coulibaly helped to seal the Swords victory.
Junior Steven Bennett scored 23 points, connecting on 3 three's while adding 6 assists and 4 steals. Chandler Pearson had a double-double for the Swords, finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Junior Shane Hanson added 8 points and 6 rebounds, knocking down two threes. Matt Cousins scored 7 points and added 11 rebounds.
The Swords shot 41% from the floor and 44% from three on the evening. Chaminade won the rebounding battle 45-34.
Justin Smith had 21 points for Hawaii-Hilo in defeat.
Chaminade improves to 5-8 on the year, 2-2 in the Pac West. Hawaii-Hilo falls to 10-6, 4-2 in Pac West play. The Swords are back in action vs. BYU-Hawaii on January 29th. Game time is set for 7:30 PM HT in McCabe Gym.
