Box Score HILO, HI–Chaminade, looking to solidify their PacWest ranking and inch closer to an NCAA Tournament berth, earned a crucial road victory tonight, defeating the Vulcans of UH-Hilo 103-72 on the Big Island.
The Swords trailed early as UHH jumped out to an 8-1 lead early on. Chaminade responded and went on a run of their own. A three by
Waly Coulibaly late in the half completed a huge turnaround and the Swords led 41-26 with 2:25 left in the half. Chaminade led 43-30 at the half. CUH shot just under 60% in the opening twenty minutes en route to the double-digit lead.
Senior
Waly Coulibaly (Bamako, Mali/Patterson Prep) led the way in the first half going 5-5 from the floor and 2-2 from three, scoring 13 points. Fellow senior guard De'Andre Haskins (Long Beach, CA/Jordan) added 11 points in the half as Chaminade led 43-30 at the break.
The Swords didn't let up in the second half, extended the lead to twenty points at 56-36 following a three-point basket by
Lee Bailey (Detroit, MI/Detroit Country Day) with 16:03 left. UH-Hilo would not get closer, as Chaminade cruised to a 103-72 victory.
De'Andre Haskins led the way with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while CUH received 16 points from
Bennie Murray (Fairfield, CA/ Will C. Wood).
Waly Coulibaly had 19 points, including shooting 4-6 from three.
Dominique Cooks (Wollongong, Australia/Holy Spirit) was just short of a double-double, tallying 12 points and adding 9 rebounds. The Swords won the battle on the glass, out-rebounding the Vulcans 41-35.
The Silverswords enjoyed an impressive shooting performance in their 103 point tally. CUH shot 57% from the floor, 46% from three (12 makes) and 79% from the charity stripe.
Coach Bovaird discussed the win: “We are playing good team basketball right now. We are a tough matchup for teams because everyone can shoot, handle the ball and pass. One more victory and we are conference champions!”
UH-Hilo was led by Michael Melonas with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The Swords move to 17-8 on the year and 14-3 in the PacWest with the win. The Vulcans fall to 6-18, 4-12 in the PacWest on the year with the loss. Chaminade is back at home vs. HPU in PacWest Conference action on March 2
nd. Tip is set for 7:30 PM HT in McCabe Gym. It will be senior night for four Chaminade seniors: De'Andre Haskins,
Dominique Cooks,
Bennie Murray and
Waly Coulibaly. The Swords will then head to the First Annual PacWest Basketball Tournament (March 5-7) in Azusa, CA at the Felix Event Center. Seed TBD.
