Honolulu, HI- The Swords and Sea Warriors had a back and forth affair tonight in front of a raucous crowd at McCabe Gym. HPU prevailed 74-70.
Chaminade and HPU battled in the first half, with the Swords attacking the rim with success, while HPU's Ray Murdock scored 14 first half points. Chandler Pearson had 11 points for Chaminade in the opening twenty minutes. The Sea Warriors led 41-36 at the break.
CUH came out ready to go in the second half and led from the 15 minute mark until the final minute. The Swords were up 70-68 in the final minute when freshman Waly Coulibaly was called for a foul on Jeff Ingram's three point shot. Ingram hit all three free throws to put HPU up one point, 71-70. Chaminade had three chances to retake the lead but were unsuccessful.
Three Silverswords were in double figures. Cooks led with 19, Pearson added 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Bennett added 15. HPU shot 36% on the night while Chaminade shot 33%.
Murdock led Hawaii Pacific with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
The Swords lost the rebounding battle 47-46.
Chaminade falls to 7-14 on the year, 4-8 in the Pac West. HPU moves to 19-5, 11-2 in the Pac West. The Swords are back in action at Hawaii Hilo on February 27th. Game time is set for 7:30 PM HT at UHH Gym.
