Box Score HILO, HI – The Swords are half way to at least a share of a GNAC/PacWest Challenge Championship. Chaminade defeated the Wolves of Western Oregon 72-59 tonight in the opening game of the GNAC/PacWest Challenge hosted by UH-Hilo.
The Swords came out early and took a 13-3 lead in just over five minutes of action in the first half. Chaminade freshmen
Darko Vukasovic (Belgrade, Serbia/Yuma) and
Lee Bailey (Detroit, MI/ Detroit Country Day) each made a jumper and senior
Matt Cousins (Santa Rosa, CA/ Cardinal Newman) tacked on four free throws to gain the early advantage. Junior
Bennie Murray (Fairfield, CA/ Will C. Wood) added a jumper and fellow junior
Waly Coulibaly (Bamako, Mali/ Patterson Prep) cashed in from deep as well to contribute to the 13-3 lead.
The Swords kept Western Oregon at bay, holding the Wolves to 39% shooting in the opening half and led 32-25 at the break.
Cousins dominated the paint for CUH, scoring 23 points and adding 10 rebounds, while going 9-9 from the free throw line in the win. Chaminade freshman
Darko Vukasovic and
Lee Bailey each had double-figures, scoring 12 and 18 points respectively.
Bennie Murray, who dealt with foul trouble most of the night for CUH, ended up in double figures, scoring 10 points on the night. Senior forward
Rickey Clayborn (East Chicago, IN/East Chicago) was impressive in his first action of the season for CUH, corralling 11 rebounds in the win.
The Swords shot 36% from the floor and 22% from three (4-18) on the evening. The Wolves shot 39% on the game, but only 16% from three. Chaminade was out-rebounded by Western Oregon, but just barely 42-41.
Coach Bovaird was pleased with the outcome. “We're really excited for our first NCAA Division II win. It's a neutral court win and any win away from home is big.”
Tarance Glynn had 13 points and 12 rebounds for Western Oregon.
Chaminade will face the St. Martin's Saints tomorrow night at 5 PM HT in UHH Gymnasium. The Saints face UH-Hilo tonight before tomorrow's matchup with the Silverswords.
The Swords move to 2-0 with the win, while Western Oregon falls to 0-1.
