Box Score HONOLULU, HI –The Swords and Seasiders faced-off in a PacWest Conference showdown tonight in McCabe Gym. CUH got off to a quick-start against their neighbors from the North Shore, leading 15-8 with under ten minutes left in the first half. Sophomore forward
Markeshia Manning (Kapolei, HI/Pearl City) was impressive from the arc, connecting on two threes early to contribute to the seven point lead. The 'Siders cut the lead to 18-15 before an 8-0 Chaminade run made the score 26-15 with 2:54 remaining in the half. The Swords took an eight point lead at 28-20 into halftime. Sophomore
Jordan Ahakuelo (Pearl City, HI/Pearl City) led the Swords with 10 points, while junior forward
Rhani Kaneaiakala (Waimanalo, HI/Kamehameha) added 5 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in the half.
Chaminade shot 31% from the floor and held BYU-Hawaii to 25% shooting at the break. CUH was aggressive defensively, getting 6 first-half steals.
The Swords opened the second half with a 5-0 run, leading 33-20 after a Manning layup. Chaminade continued their offensive run, as a
Dianna Zane (Honolulu, HI/Roosevelt) three extended the CUH lead to 42-24 with 15 minutes in the second half. The Seasiders nearly came all the way back, trailing 50-49 after a Shayla Washington layup with 5:08 left. Chaminade's Ahakuelo refused to let CUH give up the lead, scoring the next five CUH points and the Swords led 55-51 at the final media timeout with 3:18 remaining.
A three by junior
Nikki Tauau (Oxnard, CA/Pacifica) with two minutes left extended the Chaminade lead to 58-52 and forced a BYU-Hawaii timeout. CUH played stout defense in the waning moments and Silversword point guard
Dianna Zane made 5-6 free throws down the stretch to secure the 68-59 victory.
Sophomore All PacWest performer
Jordan Ahakuelo led the way with 21 points and 6 rebounds while
Rhani Kaneaiakala finished with a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks for CUH before fouling out late in the contest. Zane added 11 points, 7 assists and 8 rebounds in the win.
BYU-Hawaii was led by Shayla Washington with 18 points.
The Swords shot 34% from the floor and held BYU-Hawaii to 28%. BYU-Hawaii led the rebounding battle 55-44.
Chaminade is back at home for PacWest action on Feb. 13th against Dominican (CA). Tip is set for 5:00 PM HT in McCabe Gym.
The Swords are now 1-16, 1-10 PWC on the year, while BYU-Hawaii goes to 3-16, 2-9 PWC.
