Box Score ST. GEORGE, UT – The Swords fell to the Red Storm of Dixie State, losing 78-51 in a PacWest Conference matchup at Burns Arena.
Dixie State got out to an early lead, going ahead 12-0 with 15:05 left in the first half. The Red Storm took a sizeable lead into the break, leading 33-13 at the half.
Chaminade got going offensively in the final twenty minutes, scoring thirty-eight second-half points. Two quick baskets from forward
Rhani Kaneaiakala (Waimanalo, HI/Kamehameha) made the score 33-17 Dixie early on in the second half. Chaminade battled throughout the second half and nearly tripled their first half output, scoring in bunches. The improved offensive efficiency wasn't enough, as the Red Storm proved to be too much, winning by twenty-seven points.
CUH shot 33% from the floor and Dixie State shot 48% on the contest. The Swords made 4-18 shots from three (22%) in the loss.
Nikki Tauau (Pacifica, CA/Oxnard) led the way for CUH, scoring 13 points, going 2-5 from three. Sophomore
Jordan Ahakuelo (Pearl City, HI/Pearl City) was impressive, adding 12 points, 10 rebounds and four steals in the loss.
Coach Keanini commented: “It was a tale of two halves. We played well in the second half and kept up with them. They only out-scored us by seven points, we scored thirty-eight. Our first half execution was poor and that cost us. That was our problem throughout this road trip.”
The Red Storm was led by with Shanae Vaifanua with 20 points. Dixie State out-rebounded CUH 44-35.
Chaminade remains on the road for PacWest action on March 1st at BYU-Hawaii. Tip is set for 5:00 PM HT in Laie, HI.
The Swords are now 1-21, 1-15 PWC on the year, while Dixie State improves to 18-7, 13-4 PWC.
