Sea Warriors Upend Argonauts
Honolulu (2/5/10) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s basketball team topped Notre Dame de Namur University, 81-63. The Sea Warriors improve to 16-4 overall and 8-1 in the PacWest, with NDNU falling to 2-19 overall and 0-10 in conference.
Ray Murdock posted a game-high 20 points to go along with seven assists. C.J. Jackson recorded 12 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks, and Jeff Ingram added 17 points. Ingram shot 5-8 from beyond the arc.
The Argos posted three players in double figures highlighted by Trent Henwood’s team-high 13 points.
HPU led 31-20 after a lackluster first half for both teams. The Sea Warriors shot just 39% in the period but found their range with a 61% second half shooting performance.
Norman Wells added 10 points and five rebounds, and Adrian den Dulk added six points, five rebounds, and two blocks.
HPU returns to action Wednesday, February 10, versus Dominican University. Tip-off at Maryknoll High School is set for 7:30 p.m.
HPU Tops UH-Hilo In Overtime
Honolulu (1/25/10) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s basketball team defeated UH-Hilo, 103-99, in overtime. C.J. Jackson posted 33 points and 15 rebounds, and Ray Murdock added 31 points and 10 rebounds, as HPU improved to 6-1 in the PacWest and 14-4 overall. The Vulcans dropped to 4-3 in conference and 10-7 overall.
Mike Helton added 22 points and 10 rebounds to give HPU three players with double-doubles. Bryan Ngo paced UHH with 28 points.
Jackson hit on 11 of his 15 shot attempts and got to the foul line 17 times. He also added five blocks. As a team, HPU posted 12 blocks which included three by Helton.
No team led by more than five points in a game that saw HPU hold slim leads throughout. With 3:25 remaining in regulation, Lavell Shipman (8 pts, 5 reb) hit a jumper to give UH-Hilo a 76-75 lead. The Sea Warriors responded and grabbed an 83-78 advantage with 57 seconds to play.
UH-Hilo trailed by three points in the waning moments of regulation. Ngo found Kevin Bruce (7 pts) open in the corner, who hit a three-pointer to send the game into overtime.
The overtime period saw Murdock open the scoring with a three-pointer, and HPU held on to the lead and earned the win.
HPU retakes the court on Saturday, January 30, versus Academy of Art University. Start time at the Neal Blaisdell Center is set for 7:30 p.m.
HPU Men’s Basketball Turns Back Urban Knights, Reclaims Top Spot
Honolulu (1/30/10) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s basketball team defeated Academy of Art University, 85-60. The Sea Warriors improve to 7-1 in the PacWest and 15-4 overall, while AAU falls to 0-6 in conference and 0-16 overall.
The Sea Warriors reclaimed the top spot in the PacWest, as Dixie State fell to Grand Canyon earlier tonight. HPU leads second place Dixie State by one-half games in the conference standings.
Mike Helton scored a game-high 24 points on 8-17 from the field, also shooting 3-6 from beyond the arc. Norman Wells (13 pts, 10 reb) and C.J. Jackson (12 pts, 13 reb) both recorded double-doubles, and Reggie New added 11 points.
Lance Olivier and Ivan Prema posted 12 points to pace the Urban Knights.
HPU posted 15 total blocks as a team, highlighted by a season-high six blocks for Jackson. Wells and Ray Murdock each posted six assists, with Wells adding three blocks of his own. Murdock also contributed eight points and 10 rebounds.
HPU retakes the court Friday, February 5, versus Notre Dame de Namur. Start time at the Neal Blaisdell Center is set for 7:30 p.m.
HPU Falls On Buzzer-beater to BYU-Hawaii
Laie, HI (1/23/10) – At the Canon Activities Center on the campus of BYU-Hawaii, the HPU men’s basketball team fell 89-88 on a buzzer-beater to the Seasiders. Anthony Reilly scored off an inbounds play to give HPU its first PacWest loss.
The Sea Warriors fall to 13-4 overall and 6-1 in the PacWest, while BYUH improves to 8-5 overall and 2-2 in conference.
Mike Helton led all scorers with 25 points, and Ray Murdock added 15 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists. Murdock gave HPU a one-point lead with a second to play but Reilly’s basket gave BYUH the win.
The loss was HPU’s first since December 11 when they fell to the Seasiders at the Hawai‘i Challenge.
Rory Patterson paced BYUH with 22 points.
The Sea Warriors trailed by as many as 14 points in the second half. Murdock’s three-pointer with one second to play was HPU’s first lead since they held a 16-15 advantage with 12:12 remaining in the first half.
HPU trailed by 10 points with 2:58 remaining, but stormed back to tie the game at 83-83 with 1:16 to play. Murdock hit two free throws to tie the score at 85-85, then connected on his only three-pointer of the game.
Cliff Hodge posted 13 points and four rebounds, C.J. Jackson added nine points and 10 boards, and Norman Wells recorded nine points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
HPU returns to action Monday, January 25, versus UH-Hilo. Start time at Neal Blaisdell Center is set for 7:30 p.m.
HPU Men’s Basketball Edges UH-Hilo
Hilo, HI (1/18/10) – In a Pacific West Conference matchup, the HPU men’s basketball team topped UH-Hilo, 83-82. C.J. Jackson posted a season-high 22 rebounds to go along with 27 points. HPU improves to 13-3 overall and 5-0 in the PacWest. UH-Hilo drops to 10-5 overall and 4-1 in conference.
Ray Murdock posted 14 points and six rebounds, and Mike Helton added 21 points and 3-5 from beyond the arc. Bryan Ngo scored a team-high 24 points to lead UH-Hilo.
The Sea Warriors held the early advantage, as Mike Helton hit a three-pointer to give his team a 14-4 lead just 2:51 into the game. HPU built the lead up to 14 points on a Ray Murdock jumper, and entered halftime with a 47-39 lead.
UH-Hilo battled back in the second half, taking a 74-70 lead with 5:35 remaining in the game. HPU responded, and with less than two minutes remaining, a pair of baskets by Norman Wells (11 pts, 7 ast) helped seal the one-point victory.
HPU improves to 2-0 this season against UH-Hilo.
The Sea Warriors retake the court Saturday, January 23, at BYU-Hawaii. Tip off at the Canon Activities Center is set for 7:30 p.m.
HPU Men’s Basketball Defeats Chaminade
Honolulu (1/14/10) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s basketball team topped Chaminade University, 103-94. HPU improves to 12-3 overall and 4-0 in the PacWest, while the Swords fall to 4-8 overall and 1-2 in conference. HPU topped the century mark for the first time this season.
HPU was led by Ray Murdock with 27 points on 9-13 shooting, and 5-6 from beyond the arc. C.J. Jackson recorded 25 points and 13 rebounds, and Mike Helton added 23 points and nine rebounds. Murdock also dished out a game-high seven assists.
Steven Bennett posted a game-high 37 points for Chaminade.
HPU led for most of the game and built a 10-point lead midway through the first half. Three pointers by Helton and Norman Wells (15 pts, 7 reb) kept Chaminade at bay, but the Swords closed the gap as HPU led 49-44 at halftime.
Both teams competed in the second half before a 9-0 late run by HPU sealed the win. A three pointer by Jeff Ingram (6 pts, 5 ast) and another by Helton gave the Sea Warriors a 94-84 lead with 1:42 to play.
HPU returns to the court on Monday, January 18, as they travel to Hilo, HI to take on UH-Hilo. Start time with the Vulcans is set for 7:30 p.m.
HPU Men’s Basketball Defeats Notre Dame de Namur
Belmont, CA (1/9/10) - On the campus of Notre Dame de Namur, the HPU men’s basketball team defeated the Argonauts, 82-47. The Sea Warriors improve to 11-3 overall and 3-0 in the PacWest, while NDNU drops to 2-11 overall and 0-2 in conference.
Norman Wells led all scorers for HPU, dropping 25 points on 11-15 from the field. C.J. Jackson posted 12 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, and Ray Murdock and Cliff Hodge each added nine points.
Nick Storment led NDNU with 12 points.
HPU scored eight of the game’s first 10 points to grab an early lead. The advantage swelled to 16 points and the Sea Warriors took a 37-23 lead into halftime.
HPU shot 56% from the field and were 8-21 from beyond the arc. Mike Helton added six points, nine assists, and four rebounds.
The Sea Warriors close their PacWest road trip at 3-0, and return to action Thursday, January 14, against Chaminade. Start time with the Silverswords is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
HPU Men’s Basketball Tops Academy Of Art
San Francisco (1/7/10) – At Kezar Pavilion on the campus of Academy of Art University, the HPU men’s basketball team topped the Urban Knights, 80-69. HPU improves to 10-3 overall and 2-0 in the PacWest, while AAU falls to 0-12 overall and 0-2 in conference.
Mike Helton dropped 26 points for HPU to lead all scorers. Ray Murdock posted 16 points and C.J. Jackson added 14 points and 16 rebounds.
Philip Samuel led the Urban Knights with 17 points.
The Sea Warriors shot 14-17 from the free throw line in the second half, and turned a close game early in the period into a comfortable win. HPU led 41-38 at the break but fell behind after a three-pointer by AAU’s Lance Olivier (5 pts) less than four minutes into the half. The Sea Warriors responded with a 12-4 run to increase to a double-digit lead and held on for the win.
HPU will look to sweep its three-game road trip on Saturday, January 9, versus Notre Dame de Namur. Start time versus the Argonauts is set at 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time following the conclusion of the HPU women’s game with the Argos.
HPU Men’s Basketball Tops Dominican University
San Rafael, CA (1/5/10) – On the campus of Dominican University, the HPU men’s basketball team overwhelmed the Penguins, 89-64. The Sea Warriors improve to 1-0 in the PacWest and 9-3 overall, and Dominican drops to 0-1 in conference and 3-9 overall.
C.J. Jackson grabbed a season-high 20 rebounds to go along with 20 points. Mike Helton scored a game-high 29 points on 11-17 shooting, and Ray Murdock added 16 points.
Alex Ward posted 17 points on 5-7 from the field to pace Dominican.
The 25-point win was the largest PacWest road win since 2002, and was the first meeting between the two schools.
HPU led the entire game, using a 13-3 spurt midway through the first half to take a 30-17 lead. The Sea Warriors held a 42-26 lead at halftime.
Norman Wells added 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
HPU continues its PacWest road trip this Thursday, January 7, at Academy of Art University. Start time is set for 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time following the HPU women’s game.
C.J. Jackson Earns PacWest Player Of The Week Honor
Phoenix (1/3/10) – HPU senior forward C.J. Jackson (Buena Vista, Georgia) was selected as the Pacific West Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week. The honor was Jackson’s first of the season, and was given for games contested from December 28-January 3.
Also earning selections to the weekly honor roll for HPU were senior guards Ray Murdock and Mike Helton. Murdock averaged 14 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game for the week, and Helton was second in the conference with 18.5 points per game.
Jackson guided the Sea Warriors to a 2-0 week by averaging a double-double with 17.5 points and 12.0 rebounds per contest. He led the league in rebounds for the week and ranked fourth in scoring. For the season, Jackson has averaged 14.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, and has a team-high seven double-doubles.
HPU is currently 8-3 and begins the PacWest season this week on the road. The Sea Warriors open their three-game trip on Tuesday, January 5, at Dominican University. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Men’s Basketball Tops Chapman University
Honolulu (12/30/09) – At Mid Pacific Institute, the HPU men’s basketball team defeated Chapman University, 70-58. The Sea Warriors improve to 8-3 while the Panthers suffer just their second defeat of the season, falling to 10-2.
C.J. Jackson recorded his seventh double-double of the season, scoring 24 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Ray Murdock added 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Justin Riley paced Chapman with 14 points and six rebounds.
HPU shot 57% from the field in the first half and took a 39-20 lead into the break. The Sea Warriors continued their dominance into the second half until a 12-2 run brought the Panthers back into the game. HPU regained the momentum and built the lead back up to 17 points with 2:09 remaining. A layup by Norman Wells (4 reb, 3 ast) and a jumper by Mike Helton (8 pts, 4 ast) helped seal the win.
The Sea Warriors close non-conference play with five straight wins, and will open the PacWest season with a three-game road trip. HPU first takes on Dominican University in San Rafael, California on Tuesday, January 5. Tip-off is set for 7:30 Pacific Time.
HPU Men’s Basketball Tops Gustavus Adolphus
Honolulu (12/28/09) – At Mid Pacific Institute, the HPU men’s basketball team defeated Gustavus Adolphus College, 80-73. HPU improves to 7-3 while the Gusties fall to 6-3.
Mike Helton scored a game-high 29 points on 12-16 shooting and 5-7 from beyond the arc. C.J. Jackson (11 pts, 10 reb) and Norman Wells (19 pts, 10 reb) posted double-doubles, and Ray Murdock was one rebound shy of a triple-double at 11 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds.
Sam Paulson led Gustavus with 15 points.
HPU trailed the entire first half and did not grab its first lead until the 14:25 mark in the second half. A Wells layup gave the Sea Warriors a 47-46 lead. Three pointers by Helton and Murdock helped push the lead to seven points, as HPU staved off a late Gusties rally to earn the win.
Jackson also added a pair of blocks and three steals to his stat line.
HPU closes non-conference play on Wednesday, December 30, against Chapman University. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Mid Pacific Institute, and will be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio.
HPU Men’s Basketball Defeats Grace Bible College
Honolulu (12/20/09) – Mike Helton finished one assist shy of a triple-double, as the HPU men’s basketball team topped Grace Bible College, 86-56. The Sea Warriors, with their fourth straight win, improve to 6-3 on the season. The game was played on the campus of Mid Pacific Institute.
Helton finished the game with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. He also posted five steals and one block. Ray Murdock recorded a game-high 22 points on 7-10 shooting and 5-6 from three-point range, and Norman Wells and Jeff Ingram each added 13 points.
Allen Durham led Grace Bible with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
HPU grabbed an early lead and carried it to a 42-32 halftime advantage. They put the game away with an early 11-4 spurt in the second half.
C.J. Jackson added 12 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks.
The Sea Warriors return to the court Monday, December 28, against Gustavus Adolphus College. Start time at Mid Pacific Institute is set at 7:30 p.m.
HPU Men’s Basketball Overwhelms Champion Baptist
Honolulu (12/17/09) – At Mid Pacific Institute, the HPU men’s basketball team defeated Champion Baptist College, 89-55. The Sea Warriors improve to 5-3 while Champion Baptist falls to 7-13.
C.J. Jackson posted 17 points on 7-11 shooting, also adding 13 rebounds. Mike Helton scored a game-high 26 points on 9-15 from the floor and 3-4 from beyond t
he arc.
For the Tigers, B.J. Likins recorded 13 points and 13 rebounds, and James Manthe posted a team-high 21 points.
Neither team could score in the early going until Helton found the range midway through the first half. His dunk with 4:42 remaining in the period capped an 8-0 HPU run that gave the Sea Warriors the lead for good.
Norman Wells recorded 21 points and seven rebounds, and Ray Murdock added eight points, eight assists, and six rebounds.
HPU retakes the court on Sunday, December 20, against Grace Bible College. Tip-off at Mid Pacific Institute is set for 7:30 p.m.
HPU Defeats UH-Hilo, Takes Third Place
Honolulu (12/12/09) – At the inaugural Hawai‘i Challenge, the HPU men’s basketball team defeated UH-Hilo, 96-76. The Sea Warriors improve to 4-3 while the Vulcans drop to 2-4. HPU center C.J. Jackson was named to the All-Tournament Team.
The 96 points was HPU’s highest scoring output since the 2007-08 season, as all five starters posted double figures in points. Mike Helton led the way with 25 points on 7-10 shooting, and Norman Wells added a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Jackson posted his second double-double of the tournament, and third of the season, after scoring 15 points and recording 13 rebounds.
UH-Hilo was led by Bryan Ngo with 17 points.
The Vulcans led in the early going, but a 12-2 HPU spurt midway through the first half gave them a 26-17 lead. Jeff Ingram (13 pts) hit a three-pointer to cap the run.
UH-Hilo cut the lead to two points heading into halftime, but in the second half HPU jumped to its biggest lead of the night at 61-50. Wells completed a three-point play with 13:57 remaining in the game to give the Sea Warriors the 11-point advantage.
Ray Murdock added 12 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.
HPU retakes the floor Thursday, December 17, against Champion Baptist College. Tip-off at Mid Pacific Institute is set for 8:00 p.m.
HPU Falls To BYU-Hawaii
Honolulu (12/11/09) – In the opening game of the Hawai‘i Schools Classic, the HPU men’s basketball team fell to BYU-Hawaii, 92-75. The Sea Warriors drop to 3-3 while the Seasiders improve to 5-1.
Mike Helton led HPU with 22 points, 18 of which he scored in the first half. C.J. Jackson posted his second double-double in as many outings (16 pts, 18 reb), and Ray Murdock added seven points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
BYUH’s J.J. Reilly led all scorers with 26 points.
The Sea Warriors opened the game with an 11-3 run capped by a three-pointer by Norman Wells (5 pts, 4 ast). HPU led all but the final second of the first half, as Rory Patterson (19 pts) hit a three-pointer as time expired to give BYUH a 45-43 lead at the intermission.
The game remained competitive through much of the second half. A Kameron Steinhoff three-pointer with 13:03 remaining cut the Seasider lead to 61-60, but the rest of the game belonged to BYUH as they paced to the 17-point win.
Reggie New added nine points off the bench on 3-5 shooting, and Jeff Ingram added seven points and four assists.
HPU plays tomorrow, December 12, against UH-Hilo who lost to Chaminade in the late game. Tip-off is set at 7:30 p.m. at McCabe Gymnasium.
Basketball Coaching Legend Tony Sellitto to Retire at End of Current HPU Season
Honolulu, HI---After nearly 40 years of teaching and mentoring student-athletes at both the high school and collegiate levels, Tony Sellitto, a living legend in Hawai`i athletics, has decided that this year will be his last as a head basketball coach. Sellitto retired from HPU in 2002 due to health reasons. But, after nearly six years “coaching from the couch” as he regained his health and stamina, Sellitto was coaxed out of his six-year retirement in 2008 by President Chatt Wright of Hawai`i Pacific University and returned as head basketball coach for the Sea Warriors.
Appointed in March of 2008, Sellitto rejoined the HPU sidelines marking his return to the roots of his collegiate coaching career. During his 15 years, he posted 12 winning seasons with eight postseason appearances, eight 20-win seasons, and an overall record of 307-153 (.667). From 1992 to 1997, the Sea Warriors were consistently ranked in the Top 10 of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).
At the peak of his college career in the 1990’s, his spirited coaching style and overall success earned Sellitto many endearing nicknames, many of which have stuck with him over the years. As he prowled the sidelines at HPU with an unyielding eye for effort and a booming voice, “Tony the Tiger” expected nothing less than 110% from every HPU Sea Warrior he recruited and coached. Yet, as fiery as he was on the court, the student-athletes under his tutelage were deeply appreciative of the care and concern he demonstrated for their welfare and success off the court, in the classroom and in their future careers. To his close friends and associates, the “Italian Stallion” was the epitome of coaching prowess, dedicated family man and someone who was always there to lend a helping hand.
Sellitto took HPU to the prestigious NAIA National Championship tournament seven times during his original 14 years with HPU. Five of those tournaments were held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where “Tulsa Tony” enjoyed immense success as he challenged the best teams in the country in search of the illusive National Championship. The hallmark of Sellitto's coaching career came in 1993 with an NAIA National Title and his selection as the 1992-93 NAIA National Coach of the Year.
Sellitto ranks in the Top 3 in wins at any level of men’s collegiate basketball coaching in the state of Hawai‘i. His 1993 title remains as the only national basketball championship in Hawai‘i. “Coaching college basketball is the greatest job in the world,” said Sellitto, who also served as HPU’s Athletics Director for 14 years.
“Coaching is in my blood and I love working with young people and helping them succeed as athletes and in life. However, due to personal reasons, I don’t feel that I can do it any longer.”
Sellitto became HPU’s Athletics Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach in 1988 after a stellar prep coaching career at Maryknoll High School in Honolulu. In 23 years at Maryknoll, he guided the boys’ team to three consecutive Boys A titles and the school’s first and only boys high school state championship in 1984. He amassed a 374-71 overall record during which he had three consecutive winning seasons and four state final appearances. Sellitto was a 2009 inductee into the Maryknoll High School Hall of Fame for his years of service as Maryknoll’s coach and athletics director.
Overall, Sellitto’s lifetime coaching record at the high school and collegiate levels amounts to an outstanding 681-224 (.752).
In 1997, Sellitto received the Mackay Yanagisawa Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment, contributions, and achievements as a coach and educator in Hawai‘i. He was presented the award at the Jeep Eagle Aloha Bowl.
“Tony Sellitto has left an indelible mark on Hawai‘i Pacific University,” said HPU President Chatt G. Wright. “His success on the court combined with his relationship with players and the community are unparalled in our state. We are grateful to him for defining how success is measured in Sea Warrior Athletics.”
Sellitto will finish the 2009-10 season which is currently underway. The Sea Warriors are 3-2 and next play Friday, December 11.
HPU will begin an immediate search for a new head coach. All interested parties can contact Athletics Director Darren Vorderbruegge at 544-0223.
HPU Men’s Basketball Defeats La Verne
Honolulu (12/3/09) – At McCabe Gymnasium, the HPU men’s basketball team topped the University of La Verne, 72-63. The Sea Warriors improve to 3-2 while La Verne falls to 1-3.
C.J. Jackson poured in a season-high 29 points to go along with 11 rebounds and five blocks. Jackson was near perfect, shooting 13-14 from the floor. Ray Murdock added nine points, eight assists, and eight rebounds.
John Legget paced La Verne with 13 points.
HPU never trailed in the game and led by as many as 13 points. After holding a four-point lead at halftime, the Sea Warriors shot an impressive 56% from the floor in the second half.
Mike Helton posted 17 points, and Norman Wells added 13 points and four assists.
HPU next takes on BYU-Hawai‘i at the inaugural Hawai‘i Schools Invitational next Friday and Saturday. Tip-off with the Seasiders is set for 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 11. All games will be played at McCabe Gymnasium.
HPU Men’s Basketball Tops Western New Mexico
Honolulu (11/29/09) – At Mid Pacific Institute, the HPU men’s basketball team defeated Western New Mexico, 97-77. The Sea Warriors improve to 2-2 while the Mustangs fall to 1-2.
Mike Helton dropped a game-high 19 points on 7-19 shooting, and Norman Wells contributed 12 points and 13 rebounds. Stefan Mirabal and Justin Williams each scored 17 points to lead Western New Mexico.
HPU’s 20-point win came despite trailing by 12 points in the first half. After C.J. Jackson (17 pts, 8 reb) scored to give HPU a 23-22 advantage, Western New Mexico went on a 16-3 run to grab a double-digit lead. The second half saw the Sea Warriors score 21 unanswered points, and hold the Mustangs to just 30% shooting from the floor.
The 97 points was the highest scoring output of the season for HPU.
Jeff Ingram added 16 points and seven rebounds, Ray Murdock posted 15 points and six assists, and Adrian den Dulk recorded 12 points and two blocks of the bench.
HPU retakes the court this Thursday, December 3, against the University of La Verne. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at McCabe Gymnasium on the campus of Chaminade University.
Helton Named Tournament MVP
Sonoma, CA (11/23/09) – HPU’s Mike Helton was named the Ron Logsdon Basketball Classic Tournament Most Valuable Player, as announced today by host Sonoma State.
Helton averaged 22.5 points in HPU’s two games, including a 25-point, 10-rebound performance against Humboldt State on Saturday. For the season, Helton is averaging 19.3 points per game, tops for HPU and third in the PacWest.
The Sea Warriors went 1-1 on the weekend. They defeated Sonoma State, 77-76, on a buzzer beater by Jeff Ingram, but fell 86-72 to Humboldt State on Saturday.
HPU next takes the court against Western New Mexico University on Sunday, November 29. Start time is set at 4:00 p.m. at Mid Pacific Institute. The game will be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio.
HPU Men’s Basketball Falls To Humboldt State
Sonoma, CA (11/21/09) – At the Ron Logsdon Basketball Classic, the HPU men’s basketball team was defeated by Humboldt State University, 86-72. The Sea Warriors drop to 1-2 overall while the Lumberjacks move to 1-1.
Mike Helton led all scorers. He paced HPU with 25 points on 9-17 shooting from the field. C.J. Jackson equaled HSU’s Kyle Baxter with a game-high seven rebounds.
HPU trailed early, but went on a 19-5 run late in the first half and entered the break with a 39-37 lead. The second half belonged to HSU, as they outscored HPU 49-33 in the period.
Reggie New scored 17 points and Norman Wells added 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
HPU next plays Western New Mexico University on Sunday, November 29. Tip-off at Mid Pacific Institute is set for 4:00 p.m.
Ingram Sinks Buzzer Beater, HPU Tops Sonoma State
Sonoma, CA (11/20/09) – At the Ron Logsdon Basketball Classic, Jeff Ingram hit a three-pointer as time expired to give the HPU men’s basketball team a 77-76 win over Sonoma State. The game was the road opener for HPU, as they improve to 1-1 on the season. Sonoma State falls to 0-2.
HPU trailed the host Seawolves 72-67 with just 1:33 remaining in the game. After Adrian den Dulk (11 pts., 6 reb.) hit two free throws, Mike Helton drained a three pointer to bring HPU to within two points. With five seconds remaining and HPU trailing 76-74, Ingram found himself open on an inbounds play and sank the game winning basket.
Helton led HPU, posting 20 points and 10 rebounds. Ray Murdock added 12 points and seven rebounds. Mike Nelson led SSU with 21 points.
The Sea Warriors trailed by as much as 11 points before taking their first lead with 13:51 remaining in the game. C.J. Jackson added 11 points on 5-8 shooting from the floor.
HPU next plays tomorrow against Humboldt State. Tip-off with the Lumberjacks is set for 5:30 Pacific Time.
HPU Falls To Alaska-Anchorage In Season Opener
Honolulu (11/17/09) – At Mid Pacific Institute, the HPU men’s basketball team fell to the University of Alaska-Anchorage, 82-66. The game was the season opener for both teams, as HPU drops to 0-1 and the Seawolves improve to 1-0.
HPU posted five players in double figures led by senior Mike Helton with 13 points. Norman Wells and Ray Murdock each added 11 points in their Sea Warrior debuts.
Malcolm Campbell scored a game-high 16 points for UAA.
Early points by Campbell helped UAA build a six-point lead, but HPU responded and took a 37-31 lead on a Helton jumper. The Sea Warriors led 37-32 at the half.
UAA would take control midway through the second half, as HPU made just one field goal in the final 8:14.
Reggie New and Adrian den Dulk each posted 10 points, and Murdock added a game-high five assists.
HPU next takes to the road where they will play in the Ron Logsdon Basketball Classic (Rohnert Park, CA). First up will be host Sonoma State University on Friday, November 20. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Tony Sellitto’s Sea Warriors Defeat China
Laie, HI (11/13/09) – The HPU men’s basketball team opened the season at the Asia-Pacific Tournament, defeating China in an exhibition game. The Sea Warriors won 117-56 as five HPU players posted double figures.
Mike Helton paced the Sea Warriors, dropping 16 points on 7-10 shooting. Newcomer Ray Murdock scored 13 points on 5-6 from the floor including 3-4 from beyond the arc. Zhang Meng led China with 15 points on 7-12 shooting.
HPU scored 27 unanswered points to end the first half, as they led 52-26 at the break. A 19-4 run in the second half secured the blowout for the Sea Warriors.
Jeff Ingram and Adrian den Dulk each scored 14 points, and Jacob Avilla added a game-high seven assists to go along with eight points.
HPU opens the regular season this Tuesday, November 17, against the University of Alaska-Anchorage. Start time at Mid Pacific Institute is set for 8:00 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on AM 1500 radio.
HPU Men’s Basketball Adds Guards Greg Thomas and Reggie New
Honolulu, HI (5/19/09) – The HPU men’s basketball team signed guards Greg Thomas and Reggie New for the 2009-10 season. The announcement was made today by the Hawai‘i Pacific University athletics office.
Thomas (6-0, 195 lbs) joins the Sea Warriors as a junior transfer from Aiken Technical College in South Carolina. “Greg is both a quick and physical player,” praises HPU Coach Tony Sellitto. “He did a great job at Aiken, and I am looking for him to be a great asset at the point guard position.”
“I am excited about this opportunity,” said Thomas. “I have matured a lot here at ATC with Coach (Bruce) Capers, and I will be focused and work extremely hard to help HPU.”
In his two seasons for ATC, Thomas averaged 9.5 points and seven assists per game.
New (6-1, 185 lbs) comes to HPU after transferring from Seminole State College in Oklahoma. The junior from Oklahoma City averaged 10.5 points per game in his two seasons for the Trojans.
Coach Sellitto is excited about New coming to HPU. “We’ve had our eye on Reggie for a year now. He’s a great three-point shooter and will be a very versatile guard for us. He was one of the top guards in the Southwest Region.”
Both New and Thomas join an HPU program that boasts Hawai‘i’s only collegiate basketball championship. Coach Sellitto’s resume includes 304 wins and seven NAIA National Tournament appearances, including his National Title in 1993.
Jason Curtis Earns Men’s Basketball All-Conference Honors
Queen Creek, AZ (3/25/09) – HPU point guard Jason Curtis earned a well-deserved selection to the PacWest All-Conference team. The announcement was made today by the Pacific West Conference office. Curtis was selected to the PWC Second-Team.
Curtis has been recognized by Head Coach Tony Sellitto as one of the finest point guards he has ever coached. And Coach Sellitto has seen many national caliber players walk across his doorstep.
In his second season with HPU, the senior from Landover, Maryland played much of the second half of the season injured as he spearheaded the Sea Warrior effort.
Curtis led HPU, and was seventh in the PacWest with 14.2 points per game. He also posted a conference third-best 52 steals.
HPU Basketball Drop A Pair In Season Finales
Laie, HI (3/7/09) – At the Canon Activities Center, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams each fell to BYU-Hawai‘i. The Lady Sea Warriors lost 82-72 in the opener, and the men’s team were handedly defeated by the Seasiders 107-70.
The games were the season finales for both teams. The HPU women finish 14-15 overall with the men’s team closing at 9-17.
In the men’s game, HPU posed little threat to the nation’s #3 team.
BYUH’s Lucas Alves led the way with 18 points and 10 rebounds, as five Seasider players finished in double figures in points.
Rishi Kakad led HPU in defeat, posting 18 points on 5-11 shooting. Misha Radojevic added 12 points and Jason Curtis contributed 10 points.
Sea Warriors Split With UH-Hilo, Honor Seniors
Honolulu, HI (3/4/09) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams played their final home games of the season. The Lady Sea Warriors topped UH-Hilo 76-63, while the men’s team fell to the Vuclans, 85-76.
Following the conclusion of each game, both teams honored their seniors for their years of contribution to HPU basketball. The women’s team honored Angela Spence and Monica Chock, while the HPU men showcased Jason Curtis and Misha Radojevic.
The Sea Warriors slipped to 9-15 while UHH improved to 13-11.
Rishi Kakad tied with UHH’s Bryan Ngo for a game-high 21 points. Kakad was 8-12 of from the field and a perfect 5-5 in three-pointers.
After a relatively low scoring first half, both teams turned it on in the second period but UHH extended their lead for the win. The Vulcans shot 57% from the field while HPU shot 47%.
Jeff Ingram added 14 points for HPU, and Mike Helton contributed 14 points.
The Sea Warriors close the season with back-to-back games with BYU-Hawai‘i on Friday and Saturday. Tip-off of the women’s this Friday’s is set for the 5:30 p.m. at the Canon Activities Center on the campus of BYUH. The men’s game will follow.
HPU Women’s Basketball Outlast Vulcans, Men’s Team Fall
Honolulu, HI (2/27/09) – At McCabe Gym, HPU and UH-Hilo met in a PacWest men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader. In the opener, the Lady Sea Warriors topped the Vulcans 70-64, while the HPU men fell in game two, 101-76.
The Sea Warriors proved to be no match for the visiting Vulcans.
They overcame an eight-point early deficit to close the game to 27-24 with 4:19 to play in the first half.
UH-Hilo would head into halftime with a 39-28 lead.
The second half saw a 62-point outburst by UH-Hilo, as they won going away. Jeff Ingram led HPU in the losing effort with 17 points on 7-14 shooting.
Jay DeMaestri led all scorers with 23 points and also grabbed nine rebounds.
HPU and UH-Hilo meet for the final time this season next Wednesday, March 4, at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Tipoff for the women’s game is set for 5:30 p.m. with the men’s game to follow.
Tiffany Wilson Headlines Lady Sea Warrior Win Over Chaminade, Men Fall To Swords
Honolulu, HI (2/24/09) – At McCabe Gym on the campus of Chaminade University, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams split a doubleheader with Chaminade. The Lady Sea Warriors trounced the winless swords 75-55, while the men’s team fell 86-69.
The games were the last of the season with the Swords for both teams.
The men’s game featured a dominant win for the home team.
Six Chaminade (7-4, 14-9) players posted double figures en route to the 17-point win.
Mike Helton and Adrian den Dulk led the Sea Warriors (3-9, 9-13), each dropping 16 points. Helton was 5-8 from the field and 3-6 from beyond the arc. Den Dulk was 7-11 from the field.
Noah Gottlieb and Mohammed Tangara each posted 14 points to lead Chaminade.
Chaminade held a 40-27 rebound advantage, including a 15-11 advantage on the offensive end.
Both HPU teams return to the court this Friday, February 27 versus UH-Hilo. The games will take place at Chaminade due to scheduling conflicts. Tip-off for the women’s game is set for 5:30 p.m. followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m.
Sea Warriors Split Against Chaminade
Honolulu, HI (2/18/09) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, HPU and Chaminade faced off in another PacWest men's and women's basketball doubleheader. In the opener, the Lady Sea Warriors topped the Swords 76-61, while the men's team fell to Chaminade in the nightcap, 86-70.
In the opener, HPU showed the effects of their four-game, 12-day mainland trip with a lackluster first half. Chaminade shot 44% from the field and were 5-9 in three pointers in the first half.
The Sea Warriors trailed 29-26 but went on an 11-1 run in the final 5:11 of the period.
In the second half, HPU built the lead as high as 18-points before finishing with the 15-point victory.
Genesis Lewis posted 20 points and 13 rebounds for HPU, both game highs. Tiffany Wilson also posted a double-double (14 pts, 10 reb) and Mana Hopkins dropped 12 points and grabbed five rebounds.
Samantha Saito led the Lady Swords with 19 points on 6-12 shooting.
HPU improve to 11-13 overall and 7-4 in the PacWest, while Chaminade fall to 0-20 and 0-11.
In the nightcap, HPU (9-12, 3-8) and CUH (12-7, 8-3) went toe-to-toe for much of the game before the Swords pulled away in the final 10 minutes.
Cliff Hodge delivered a career game in the HPU loss, recording 22 points on 8-10 from the floor. Hodge made his living at the perimeter as he nailed six of eight three point attempts.
CUH posted five players in double figures led by Jamar Berry who had 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Jeff Ingram added 17 points for the Sea Warriors, and Darrell Birton and Mohamed Tangara each contributed 15 points.
HPU led 40-33 at the break despite Chaminade scoring the game's first 11 points. After a jumper by Mike Helton (7 pts, 5 reb) and a pair of free throws by Rishi Kakad (4 pts, 2 reb), HPU had their first lead of the game at 19-18. The Swords quickly closed the gap in the second half, and a 23-2 run midway through the period sealed the win.
Both teams retake the court next Tuesday, February 24 again versus Chaminade. Start time of the double header at McCabe Gym on the Chaminade campus is set for 5:30 p.m. for the women with the men to follow.
HPU Men's and Women's Basketball Fall To Dixie State
St George, UT (2/14/09) In their final games of their road trips, the Sea Warrior men's and women's basketball teams both fell to Dixie State College. The Lady Sea Warriors fell in the opener of the doubleheader, 79-73, and the men's team dropped an 80-72 result to the Red Storm.
HPU closed their trip at 1-2 and fell to 9-11 overall and 3-7 in the PacWest. Dixie State improved to 12-10 and 6-3.
HPU posted four players in double figures. Rishi Kakad dropped a team-high 17 points and Adrian den Dulk recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Ryan Sanchez (DSC) scored a game-high 20 points.
Dixie State led 39-33 at halftime on the strength of solid post play. They outscored HPU 14-4 in the paint.
The Red Storm steadily retained the lead in the second half, but two free throws by Rishi Kakad cut the lead to just 66-65 with just 4:08 to play. DSC regained a solid lead after an 8-2 run, as a jumper by Tom Whitehead gave his team a 74-67 lead with 1:48 remaining.
Jeff Ingram scored 14 points on 5-12 shooting, and Jason Curtis and Mike Helton each dropped 10 points.
Both teams next take on island rival Chaminade this Wednesday, February 18. Tip-off for the women's game is set for 5:30 p.m. with the men's game to follow. Both games will be played at the Neal Blaisdell Center.PUSe
Lady Sea Warriors Top Grand Canyon, HPU Men Fall
Phoenix, AZ (2/11/09) – On the campus of Grand Canyon University, the HPU women's basketball team delivered a gutsy and unbeatable effort, as they toppled the previous unbeaten Antelopes 87-64. The HPU men's team were not as fortunate, falling to GCU 66-64.
The Lady Sea Warriors (10-12, 6-3) atoned for an early loss this season at the hands of Grand Canyon. HPU hand GCU (8-1, 15-6) their first PacWest loss of the season, and break a three-game conference losing streak.
Four Sea Warriors posted double figures led by Mana Hopkins and Paris Gravely who each dropped 24 points. Hopkins added 16 rebounds to her line, eight of them offensive.
Stacey Haddow paced the Antelopes with 23 points. Erin Murphy added 11 rebounds.
After a Murphy layup gave GCU a 7-6 lead, HPU ran off 25 unanswered points to take a resounding 31-7 lead with 6:14 remaining in the half. HPU led 39-25 at the break.
Tiffany Wilson and Taylor Craig each added 10 points.
With a narrow win just three days ago, the HPU men's team now found themselves on the losing end of that stick.
HPU fall to 9-10 overall and 3-6 in the PacWest. GCU improve to 11-11 and 4-5.
Jason Curtis and Mike Helton had 15 and 14 points, respectively, to pace HPU.
Engen Nurumbi dropped 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds for GCU, both game-highs.
HPU twice rallied from eight-point deficits but could not turn the corner for the win. Layups by Curtis and Adrian den Dulk (4 pts, 4 reb) brought HPU to within 60-59 with 1:41 to play, and a Helton three ball gave the Sea Warriors their first lead since the first half at 62-61.
Trailing by two points, Curtis drove into the lane for a layup to tie the game at 64-64 with 21 seconds to play. After a GCU timeout, David Cuen (12 pts) earned a trip to the free throw line with two seconds to play. He promptly nailed both shots and gave GCU the win.
Both teams travel to Saint George, UT for the final games of their week-long road trip. The women's team face off with Dixie State College on Saturday, February 14 at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game following.
Mixed Results For Sea Warriors In Road Opener
Belmont, CA (2/8/09) – At the Walter Gleason Gym on the campus of Notre Dame de Namur University, the HPU men's basketball team topped the Argos 59-57 while the Lady Sea Warriors fell to NDNU 75-63. The games were the first mainland PacWest games of the season for HPU.
In the women's action, NDNU (7-14, 4-5) was paced by a 16 pt/17reb performance by Britni Rathke. She shot 5-10 from the field in just 28 minutes of action.
HPU (8-12, 5-3) posted three players in double figures led by Tiffany Wilson's 20-point game. Wilson dropped 11-12 free throws.
HPU trailed by just one point at halftime, but were outscored 42-31 in the second half.
A Taylor Craig layup with 1:48 remaining gave HPU life as they trailed 69-63. But they were forced to make the closing moments a free throw shooting contest, and the Argos made their shots and won going away.
Mana Hopkins added 12 points and Genesis Lewis dropped 11.
Tanaia Keyes led all scorers with 23 points.
The HPU (9-9, 2-5) men's team earned a hard fought defensive battle over NDNU. In their first mainland game of the season, they pulled off a solid PacWest win.
Jeff Ingram dropped an HPU high 15 points. He scored all his field goals from three-point range and shot 6-6 from the free throw line.
Bennie Murray posted 19 points and eight rebounds for the Argos.
HPU opened the game with baskets in their first five possessions. Adrian den Dulk gave HPU an 11-6 lead on a layup plus the foul. After HPU built a 14-point lead, the Argos went on a 17-2 run to end the period. HPU led 33-31.
Neither team led by more than four-points in the second half, but a 7-0 run gave HPU a 57-53 lead with 4:57 remaining.
In the closing seconds, Dan Bergeron missed a jumper and his own tip-in attempt as HPU held on for the narrow win.
Both teams travel to Phoenix to take on Grand Canyon University on Tuesday, February 10. Tip off for the women's game is set for 5:30 p.m. followed by the men's game.
Men’s Basketball Top Grand Canyon, Lady Sea Warriors Fall
Honolulu, HI (2/3/09) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams played a PacWest doubleheader with Grand Canyon University. The men’s team topped the Antelopes 78-65 while the Lady Sea Warriors fell 87-76.
On the ladies side, the Sea Warriors (5-2, 8-11) eyed a share of first place but ended up dropping their second straight conference game.
Mana Hopkins delivered a solid performance for HPU, dropping 22 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Mackenna Karasawa and Taylor Craig each posted 10 points.
Samantha Murphy scored a game-high 30 points on 10-18 from the floor. GCU (6-0, 13-6) teammate Rosalyn Nelson poured in 22 points.
At halftime HPU and GCU were deadlocked at 37-37, but a 50-point second half by the ‘Lopes earned them the victory.
In the men’s action, HPU (2-5, 8-9) ended a four-game slide with their 11-point win over Grand Canyon (3-3, 10-9).
Three Sea Warriors posted double figures led by Jason Curtis’s 18 points. Jeff Ingram dropped 16 points and Mike Helton scored 17.
Engen Nurumbi (GCU) led all scorers with 31 points on 11-17 shooting. Sea Warriors were stellar in the first half and carried a 40-20 lead into halftime.
GCU rebounded in the second half with 45 points but the damage had been done.
Both teams take to the road for their first and only PacWest road trip. The Lady Sea Warriors will open with a non-conference game versus Academy of Art on Friday February 6. Both teams then play a PacWest doubleheader versus Notre Dame de Namur on Sunday, February 8. Tip off for the women’s game is at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men’s game.
Sea Warrior Basketball Turned Back By Red Storm
Honolulu, HI (1/31/09) At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men's and women's basketball teams fell to Dixie State College in a PacWest Conference doubleheader. The Lady Sea Warriors take their first defeat of the PacWest season and fall to 5-1 with their 77-73 loss. The men's team drop to 1-5 following their 77-58 loss to the Red Storm.
The opener saw a seesaw battle with Dixie (11-7, 4-1) emerging with the four-point win. HPU posted four players in double figures, led by Tiffany Wilson with a game-high 22 points on 9-19 shooting.
The high scorer for Dixie was Deney Phommabout who dropped 18 points.
Taylor Craig dished out an HPU season high 14 assists. Paris Gravely added 16 points on 7-16 shooting and Mana Hopkins posted 17 points on 8-12 from the floor. The Red Storm had control of the game with just over 10 minutes to play, but HPU stormed back with a 10-0 run to take a 63-59 lead. Three pointers by Gravely and Genesis Lewis (13 pts) highlighted the run.
Both teams retake the floor this Tuesday, February 3 at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Each take on Grand Canyon with the women's game starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men's game.
HPU Basketball Swept By Seasiders
Honolulu, HI (1/24/09) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men's and women's basketball teams each fell to BYU-Hawai'i in a pair of non-conference games featuring PacWest teams. The Lady Sea Warriors fell 75-72 with the men's team dropping the night cap 72-54.
In the men's action, hidden in the final result was a furious first-half comeback that bolted HPU (7-8) back into the game. After trailing the nation's fifth-ranked team 33-13, HPU scored 22 points inside the final six minutes of the first half to trail just 38-35 at halftime.
The Sea Warriors battled early in the second period, but BYUH (12-1) regained a solid lead and won going away.
Jeff Ingram led HPU with 18 points on 6-13 shooting, and Cliff Hodge added 16 points and six rebounds.
BYUH featured four players in double-figures led by Jet Chang with 15 points. Lucas Alvez dropped 13 points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds.
Both teams return to action Saturday, January 31 for a pair of games against Dixie State College. The women's game tips off at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men's game at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be played at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
HPU Topped By Chaminade
Honolulu, HI (1/22/09) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU basketball teams split a PacWest doubleheader. In the early game the Lady Sea Warriors rolled with a 97-50 win, while the men's team fell to the Silverswords in the night cap 69-63.
The men's matchup featured closely contested battle. After a seesaw affair with both team answering runs with runs, CUH clinched the win with a late 12-4 run.
Willis McPhee posted a double-double with 10 rebounds and 14 points. Jason Curtis added 14 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
Chaminade had four players in double figures led by Joel Smith with 17 points.
The Swords were determined to attack the glass which turned out to be the difference in the game.
CUH got the free throw line 10 more times and won the offensive rebounding battle 11-6.
HPU return to the court Saturday, January 24 at the Neal Blaisdell Center for a doubleheader with BYU-Hawai'i. The games will not count in the conference standings. The women's game tips off at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men's matchup with BYUH.
Sea Warriors Edged By Silverswords
Honolulu, HI (1/19/09) At McCabe Gym on the campus of Chaminade University, the Lady Sea Warrior basketball team posted a decisive 89-53 win over the Swords. The nightcap saw the Chaminade men edge HPU 67-63.
The nightcap featured a much different contest, as HPU and CUH squared off in a closely contested men's basketball matchup. Chaminade would get the better of the Sea Warriors though, squeezing out the four-point win.
Jason Curtis led all scorers with 18 points on 6-14 shooting. Curtis played all 40 minutes. Willis McPhee posted 17 points on 8-12 shooting.
Mohamed Tangara dropped 16 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for Chaminade.
HPU were outdone on the boards as Chaminade won the rebound battle 43-28.
The Sea Warriors, despite the loss, held a firm grip on the game with a 42-31 lead early in the second half. Curtis maintained the advantage, nailing a jumper to give HPU a 48-40 lead with 11:47 to play. Chaminade responded with an 11-2 run to take a 51-50 lead and set up a nail biter finish. With the score at 63-63, Tangara nailed a jumper with 53 seconds remaining that proved to be the game-winner.
HPU fall to 7-6 overall and 1-3 in the PacWest. Chaminade improve to 7-7 overall and 3-2 in conference.
The HPU men's and women's teams play Chaminade once more this week. They hit the floor Thursday, January 22 at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Tip off for the women's game is set for 5:30 p.m. followed by the men's game .
HPU Earn First Conference Win
Honolulu, HI (1/15/09) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men's and women's basketball teams each topped Notre Dame de Namur. The Lady Sea Warriors improved to a perfect 3-0 in the PacWest while the men's team (7-5, 1-2) captured their first Conference win.
HPU topped NDNU 67-61 in the opener with the men's closing the nightcap with a solid 82-65 win.
The NDNU men fall to 4-11 overall and 0-5 in the PacWest, while the women's team fall to 5-11 and 2-3.
On the men's side, HPU notched their first conference win in defeat of the Argos. A 48-point second half turned a three-point halftime lead into a 17-point rout.
Five HPU players posted double figures highlighted by Cliff Hodge who delivered arguably his best performance in a Sea Warrior uniform. He was active all game long to the tune of 14 hard-earned points and nine rebounds.
Adrian den Dulk earned the start and dropped 19 points in just 20 minutes of action.
Jason Curtis recorded 16 points with Rishi Kakad and Jeff Ingram each dropping 10 points.
Deon Sharps highlighted the Argo effort. He posted 19 points on 8-13 shooting.
The Lady Sea Warriors have tasted victory and defeat in many ways this season, but their gritty win demonstrated their ability to win the ugly ones. They shot a dismal 25% from the field in the first half which they trailed 29-23, but responded by shooting 13-28 in the second to drop 44 points.
Four HPU players posted double figures led by Taylor Craig and Mana Hopkins who each scored 14 points.
Hopkins, Tiffany Wilson, and Genesis Lewis each collected six rebounds to lead HPU in that category.
HPU won despite stellar low post play from Argo center Britni Rathke who dropped 12 points and grabbed a game-high 17 rebounds. Marianne Bautista posted a game-high 20 points.
Both teams return to the court on Monday, January 19th to take on Chaminade in another PacWest affair. The women's game tips off at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game to follow. Both games will be at McCabe Gym on the Chaminade Campus.
Four Sea Warriors Headline Weekly Conference Honors
Queen Creek, AZ (1/13/09) – Three members of the HPU women’s basketball team were selected to the PacWest Weekly Honor Roll. Mana Hopkins, Taylor Craig, and Tiffany Wilson earned the honor for games played from January 5-11. Mens basketball’s Rishi Kakad was also selected to his respective team.
The announcement was made by the PacWest Conference office.
Hopkins (Kona, HI) scored 18 points and collected five rebounds in the lone HPU contest - a 76-66 victory over BYU-Hawai‘i. She shot 50% (7 for 14) from the field and hit two of four three-point attempts (50%).
Craig (Los Angeles) dropped 13 points, six assists and four steals in the win over the Seasiders. She shot 62.5% from the floor (5 for 8) and made both of her three-point attempts.
Wilson (Long Beach, CA) also scored 13 points in the BYU-Hawai‘i win. She was a perfect 5 for 5 from the foul line, and also pulled down five rebounds. She posted three assists and recorded a trio of steals.
On the men’s side, Kakad (Phoenix) reeled off a season-high 23 points on Jan. 10 in his lone game of the week, a loss vs. BYU-Hawai‘i. He also hit 4 of 5 foul shots.
The Lady Sea Warriors are currently 2-0 in conference, and the men are seeking their first PacWest victory and are currently 0-2.
Both teams take on Notre Dame de Namur this Thursday, January 15. All the action starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
Seasiders Too Much For HPU In PacWest Home Opener
Honolulu, HI (1/10/09) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men's and women's basketball teams took on BYU-Hawaii in their PacWest Conference home openers. The Lady Sea Warriors topped the Seasiders 76-66, and the men's team fell in the night cap 93-71.
The Lady Sea Warriors improved to a perfect 2-0 in conference, a great improvement from their 0-2 start last season. They improved overall to 4-7.
Four HPU players posted double figures led by Mana Hopkins' 18 points. She was 7-14 from the field and also grabbed five rebounds. Taylor Craig and Tiffany Wilson each dropped 13 points, and Genesis Lewis recorded 10 points on 5-13 shooting.
Latoya Wily delivered a monster game for BYUH, dropping 40 points on 14-24 shooting. She also posted 14 rebounds to her line.
After trailing by five points early, HPU slowly built a comfortable lead. After a Hopkins three pointer broke a 16-16 tie midway through the first half, HPU never trailed en route to the 10-point win.
BYUH fell to 4-7 and 0-2 in the PacWest.
On the men's side, the night belonged to BYUH. Six players posted double figures with Virgil Buensuceso and Trenson Akana each posting 16 points.
Rishi Kakad posted arguably his best game of the season, delivering 23 points on 9-18 shooting off the bench. Kakad was 4-5 from beyond the arc as well.
BYUH could not have shot better to open the game. A 14-4 opening spurt highlighted a first half where they shot 68% from the field. BYUH led 60-30 at halftime.
Jason Curtis added 10 points, and Jeff Ingram posted 12 points and grabbed four rebounds for HPU.
Both the men's and women's teams next take on Notre Dame de Namur this Thursday, January 10. Tip off of the women's game is set for 5:30 p.m. with the men's game to follow. Both games will be played at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
Sea Warriors Land Four On Weekly Honor Roll
Queen Creek, AZ (1/5/09) HPU landed two women's and two men's basketball players on their respective PacWest weekly Honor Rolls, announced today by the Conference office.
The PacWest Weekly Honor Roll was made based on games played from Dec. 29-Jan. 4.
Jason Curtis (Sr., Landover, MD) and Willis McPhee (Jr., Orlando, FL) earned the weekly honor as HPU split with the Vulcans. Curtis, nursing a sprained ankle, averaged 17.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the week. He made 9 of 11 free throw attempts (81.8%) and averaged 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per contest. He ranked second for the week in scoring average in the PacWest.
McPhee shared the PacWest rebounding lead for the week by averaging 10.5 per game. He averaged a double-double by also scoring 14 points per contest. McPhee shot 56.5% from the field (13 for 23) and recorded three steals per game, sharing second place in the PacWest for the week.
Sea Warriors Top Vulcans In Overtime Thriller
Hilo, HI (1/3/09) – After a disappointing loss a day earlier, the HPU men’s basketball team responded with a hard fought 81-79 overtime defeat of UH-Hilo. The Sea Warriors improve to 6-4 while UH-Hilo fall to 7-3.
Jason Curtis iced the game for the Sea Warriors in the closing moments. He nailed all four of his free throws in the last 34 seconds of overtime to help HPU to the win. Curtis was 5-12 from the floor for 16 points.
Mike Helton dropped a game-high 17 points for HPU.
HPU were outdone in nearly every statistical category but got the points and stops when they needed them. Helton shot 3-5 from beyond the arc to key the win.
Both teams were undermanned, as only six reserves were used between the two teams.
The closing moments of regulation saw a see-saw affair as the two teams tried to gain an advantage. After consecutive baskets by Helton, Jacob Briggs evened the game for the Vulcans at 57-57 with two of his 12 points.
UH-Hilo posted five players in double figures led by Jay DaMaestri with 15 points.
HPU grabbed the win with a solid overtime performance. They took a seven-point lead, their largest of the game, and were 10-13 from the free throw line.
HPU next take on BYU-Hawai‘i this Saturday, January 10. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center
Sea Warriors Upended By Vulcans
Hilo, HI (1/2/09) – The Sea Warrior men’s basketball team were unable to make it a clean sweep for HPU. After seeing the Lady Sea Warriors top UH-Hilo, the men’s team fell to the Vulcans 77-66.
Jason Curtis made an unexpected return from an ankle injury to post 19 points on 7-16 shooting. Curtis endured a severe ankle sprain versus Coe College nearly two weeks ago.
HPU (5-4, 0-1) shot a respectable 40% from the field but could not find the range from beyond the arc. They were 3-19 in three-point attempts.
Willis McPhee posted his first double-double of the season, dropping 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Jeff Ingram recorded 11 points on 5-11 shooting.
UH-Hilo grabbed a solid lead early in the game. After Jay DeMaestri (18 pts, 10 reb) knocked down one of his six three pointers, the Vulcans led 12-4 prompting a timeout from the HPU bench.
After falling by as much as 11 points, the Sea Warriors rallied to take a 32-31 lead with 4:10 remaining in the first half. Ingram’s bucket gave HPU their first lead.
The win was in HPU’s grasp as a jumper by McPhee brought them level at 57-57 with 6:33 remaining, but a short 7-2 burst gave UHH a lead they would not relinquish.
John Smith led the Vulcans with 19 points.
UHH and HPU face off again tomorrow, January 3 in Hilo. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the conclusion of the women’s game.
Coach Sellitto Records Win #300, HPU Tops Coe College
Honolulu, HI (12/21/08) - Tony Sellitto was the man of the hour, as his Sea Warrior men's basketball team topped Coe College, 79-72, to give him career win #300, all with HPU. Jeff Ingram led HPU with 24 points as they improved to 5-3 overall while Coe fell to 5-5.
The Sea Warriors had four players post double figures. Chris Evans and Mike Helton each dropped 15 points, and Jacob Avilla scored 10 points in place of an injured Jason Curtis. Curtis left in the first half with an ankle sprain.
Alex Tatman scored a game-high 25 points for the Kohawks.
The Sea Warriors won despite being outrebounded 48-28. Coe was also plus-14 in offensive rebounds.
HPU lead most of the way and looked to pull away late in the game. A Cliff Hodge (4 pts) layup with 5:14 remaining gave HPU a 71-59 lead, but the Kohawks crawled back and cut the lead to 72-67 with just over two minutes remaining. The Sea Warriors would hold on, and give their coach the historic win.
The game was back and forth in the first half. HPU trailed by five points early on, but consecutive three balls by Curtis and Ingram gave HPU a one-point lead. HPU lead 33-31 at the break.
Kevin Gaster nearly recorded a double-double for Coe, posting 13 points and nine rebounds.
The Sea Warriors next take on Hillsdale College in their final non-conference game of the season. The two teams tip off on Friday, December 26 at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
Tony Sellitto Earns Win #299, HPU Topple Rio Grande In OT
Honolulu, HI (12/18/08) – The quest to 300 career victories does not come without its tense moments. Coach Sellitto earned career win #299 as his Sea Warrior men’s basketball team won a hard fought overtime thriller over the University of Rio Grande, 75-74.
HPU hand the Red Storm just their second loss of the season (11-2). The Sea Warriors improve to 4-3. Jason Curtis and Jeff Ingram each had season highs, dropping 24 and 23 points respectively.
Brandon Ivery (URG) led all scorers with 25 points and also added 11 rebounds.
The game was a nail biter throughout as neither team led by more than five points. The Sea Warriors did trail most of the first half though, but Jason Curtis kept them close with 13 first half points. Rio Grande led 36-32 at halftime.
The second half saw HPU take their first lead since the opening minute of the game. Layups by Chris Evans (10 reb) and Mike Helton (14 pts) gave HPU a 44-42 lead just over five minutes into the period.
The game seesawed with both teams hitting big shots down the stretch. With HPU leading 66-63 on Rio Grande’s final possession, P.J. Rase (16 pts) knocked down a clutch three-pointer to send the game into overtime.
Undaunted, HPU regrouped and took the floor for their first overtime of the season. A pair of made free throws inside two minutes by Curtis gave HPU a 75-74 lead that would hold up. Helton scored five points in the overtime.
Sellitto will look to earn career win #300 this Sunday, December 21. HPU take on Coe College, tipoff set for 12:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
HPU Men’s Basketball Fall to Saint Martin’s
Honolulu, HI (12/16/08) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s basketball team was defeated by a top-notch Saint Martin’s club, 93-81. The Sea Warriors fall to 3-3 while the Saints improve to 11-2.
Jason Curtis led HPU with 22 points, and HPU Coach Tony Sellitto still remains two wins shy of 300 career wins.
SMU came out strong and scored the games first nine points. Jake Linton, who dropped a game-high 35 points, scored six points in the run. The Sea Warriors weathered the storm though, as three-pointers by Willis McPhee (11 pts, 9 reb) and Mike Helton (14 pts, 5 reb) helped give HPU a 19-15 lead with 12:47 to play in the first half.
HPU increased the lead minutes later to 10 points. A pair of three balls by Jeff Ingram (7 pts) and Rishi Kakad (9 pts) increased the lead to 32-22. SMU would rally, closing the gap to 43-41 before halftime.
The second half saw SMU build a solid lead. Justin Alexander (9 pts) hit a three-pointer to give the Saints a 67-51 lead with 12:17 to play.
The Sea Warriors made one final rally down the stretch. Ingram sank a pair of free throws to cut the SMU lead to 84-78 with 2:17 play. The comeback was not to be as they built the lead back up and won going away.
Blake Poole added 19 points for SMU.
HPU retake the floor this Thursday, December 18 as they face off with Rio Grande College. Tip off is set for 7:30 at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
Men’s Basketball Edge Holy Names
Honolulu, HI (12/6/08) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s basketball team won a hard fought contest over Holy Names University, 73-71. Jeff Ingram dropped 19 points for HPU to lead all scorers, and Coach Sellitto earned his 298th career win.
The Kohawks finished with four players in double figures, led by Jonathan Kargas with 17 points.
HPU built a solid lead in the first half only to see it slip away before intermission. The Sea Warriors broke an early 11-11 score with a 17-3 run. They led 28-14 with just under eight minutes remaining.
HNU rallied, scoring the final 11 points of the half capped by a half court buzzer beater by Aaron Kanno (10 pts, 5 ast). HPU led 37-34 at the half.
In the second half, the Kohawks came all the way back on two made free throws by Kargas to even the score at 44-44. Kargas then gave HNU their first lead since the opening minutes, draining a three-pointer to give them a 47-46 lead with 12:11 remaining.
HPU remained undaunted, and finally regained the lead with 3:35 to go. Jeff Ingram grabbed his own rebound off a missed shot, stepped beyond the arc, and drained a three-pointer to give HPU a 68-67 lead.
HPU increased the lead to three points down the stretch. Despite some shaky foul shooting in the waning minutes (3-6), they pulled out the victory to put them over .500 for the first time this season. Kanno missed on a desperation three-pointer as time expired.
Ben Clyde and Jeremy Lattin each added 10 points for HNU. Jason Curtis posted his second double-double of the season (12 pts, 10 ast) and Mike Helton added 11 points of his own.
The Sea Warriors will enjoy some time off before their next game. They take on Saint Martin’s University on Tuesday, December 16 as part of the Malika Sports Hoop ‘N Surf Tournament. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
Sea Warriors Top Nanooks
Honolulu, HI (12/3/08) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s basketball team evened their record at 2-2 with an 82-71 win over the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Mike Helton dropped a game and career high 28 points, and Jason Curtis contributed 17 points and nine assists.
The win inched Head Coach Tony Sellitto closer to the magic 300 career-win mark. He remains three wins shy of that milestone.
In previous games HPU found themselves leading by a hefty margin only to see it slip away. Today HPU played from behind and proved they, indeed, were a resilient team.
Midway through the first half the Nanooks built an eight-point lead. Aaron Jones (12 pts) knocked down a three pointer to give UAF a 19-11 lead with just over 12 minutes to play in the half. The Nanooks kept the lead and headed into halftime winning 40-36.
Trailing entering the second half, HPU responded with a 14-2 run to take a 50-45 lead with 13:45 to play. A pair of three-pointers by Jeff Ingram (13 pts) keyed the run. The lead increased to eight points on a pair of free throws by Misha Radojevic (6 pts) with eight minutes to play.
All UAF could do in the end was foul, as HPU earned their second victory of the season.
Kevin Buggs (15 pts) and Colin Matteson (13 pts) helped lead the Nanook effort.
HPU return to action this Saturday, December 6. They take on Holy Names University with the tip off set for 7:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
HPU Fall To Western New Mexico
Honolulu, HI (11/29/08) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s basketball team fell to Western New Mexico University, 84-78. The Sea Warriors squandered a 21-point lead on the way to their second loss of the season (1-2).
It was the tale of two halves. The Sea Warriors built a seemingly insurmountable 41-20 lead in the first half. Jason Curtis dropped 15 points on 6-8 shooting and was a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arc. Jeff Ingram was also feeling it, shooting 5-7 for 13 points.
HPU led 48-32 at the half.
The second half saw 52 Mustang points the emergence of WNMU guard Devin Stewart, who dropped 16 of his 23 points in the period. He also posted 13 assists on the night. Steve Berrelleza (22 pts, 11 reb) also came on, draining six three-pointers in the second half alone.
The turn-a-round left HPU in a dog fight. After consecutive three-pointers by Berrelleza and Andy Solich (12 pts), the Mustangs had evened the score at 57-57 with 11:47 to play.
The teams traded baskets down the stretch. Barrelleza gave WNMU a 69-67 lead on a three ball but Jeff Ingram struck right back for HPU, nailing one of his four three-pointers. Ingram led HPU with 19 points.
Hot three-point shooting by the Mustangs would grab the win down the stretch. Another Berrelleza three-pointer gave WNMU a 78-72 lead with 1:58 to play. HPU would come no closer than three points the rest of the way.
Chris Evans had a solid night for HPU in the post. He posted his first double-double of the season (15 pts, 12 reb). Mike Helton dropped 12 points and Willis McPhee grabbed 12 rebounds to equal teammate Evans for the game-high in that category.
J.J. Galberth added 18 points for WNMU.
HPU retake the court this Wednesday, December 3rd against the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
HPU Men’s Basketball Edge Pacific University, Sellitto Captures Win #296
Honolulu, HI (11/26/08) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s basketball team took down Pacific University, 82-78, for their first win of the season (1-1). The win was #296 for Coach Tony Sellitto who inches ever so close to the 300-win milestone. Pacific fell to 1-1.
The early going saw a close contest with HPU continuing to hold a slim lead. However, three-balls by Jonathan Fury (8 pts) and A.J. Gaulton (6 pts) gave the Boxers a 16-15 advantage midway through the first half.
The game seesawed until HPU ran off 10 straight points capped by a Jason Curtis three-pointer. Curtis earned a double-double on the night (20 pts, 11 ast). HPU led by eight points at the break.
Less than five minutes into the second half the lead swelled to 11 points on a Mike Helton (14 points) layup. An 8-0 run would get Pacific back into the game. The run was capped by a Carson Bartlett dunk with 12:22 remaining.
Bartlett dropped a game-high 22 points.
The play of the game may have been by Helton. After draining two free throws to give HPU a 79-78 lead with less than a minute to play, he picked off an errant pass by Jordan Carter (10 pts) and laid the ball in to give HPU a three-point lead with 19 seconds to play.
Rishi Kakad (17 pts) and Willis McPhee (16 pts) also delivered solid efforts from the floor for HPU.
The Sea Warriors will retake the court this Saturday, November 29 versus Western New Mexico. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center. The game will be broadcast live on KWHE-TV 14 and on radio at KUMU AM 1500.
HPU Fall In Season Opener
Honolulu, HI (11/17/08) – At Mid Pacific Institute, the HPU men’s basketball team fell to Warner Pacific in the season opener, 88-80. The game marked long-time HPU coach Tony Sellitto’s return to the coaching ranks. Jason Curtis led HPU with 28 points followed by Rishi Kakad with 27 points.
NAIA power Warner Pacific, fresh off a win over UH-Hilo, came out and grabbed an early lead on the Sea Warriors. After HPU’s Chris Evans (5 pts, 5 reb) put back a rebound to give his team an 8-7 lead, but the Knights responded with a 7-0 run.
The Warriors answered the bell with an 11-2 run of their own, as Adrian den Dulk (6 pts, 5 reb) put home two free throws for a 27-22 lead with just over six minutes until halftime.
The Sea Warriors looked to be in control heading into halftime. HPU led 42-31 on 41% shooting and a game-high 16 points by Curtis.
The second half told a different tale. Warner Pacific dropped 57 points and shot 58% from the field and just shy of 42% from beyond the arc.
Despite the change in momentum, HPU lead 58-51 on a Kakad layup with 11:17 remaining. The wheels fell off the Sea Warrior bus at that point. An 18-1 run by the Knights spelled doom and gave them a 69-59 lead with 6:22 to play.
HPU kept within striking distance but down the stretch it was Warner Pacific who held the lead and grabbed the win. Adam Moore dropped a game-high 29 points for Warner Pacific.
HPU retake the court on Wednesday, November 26 to take on Pacific University. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
Revamped Basketball Teams Dominate In Opener
Honolulu, HI (11/8/08) – The HPU men's and women's basketball teams kicked off the season tonight with an exhibition doubleheader. Both teams looked mighty impressive in unveiling new rosters. The Lady Sea Warriors toppled Chinese National Champion Tianjin University, 68-50, and the men's team sent a message with a 91-55 drumming of the New Zealand Saints.
The night opened with the Lady Sea Warriors in action. Mana Hopkins and Maltresa Neely dominated with 20 and 14 points, respectively. Hopkins, a native of Kona, was active all over the court, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out three assists. Neely had her way down in the post, grabbing eight boards and dishing out three assists.
Xu Hui Chao led Tianjin with 17 points.
Game two saw the return of Tony Sellitto to the HPU bench followed by a 36 point thrashing of the New Zealand Saints. A swarming HPU defense told the story as HPU forced the Saints into 30 turnovers while Jeff Ingram shot the lights out from beyond the arc (5-8).
Five Sea Warriors posted double figures in points led by Rishi Kakad who dropped 17 points on 7-11 shooting in just 23 minutes of action. Jason Curtis dished out a game-high seven assists.
Jordan Mills (17 pts) and Josh Brown (10 pts) led the way for New Zealand.
The games were played at Mid Pacific Institute.
The men's team play their first regular season game on Monday, November 17 as they take on Warner Pacific at Mid Pacific. Tip off time is set for 8:15 p.m.
The Lady Sea Warriors open a day later against Arkansas-Monticello. Tip off is set for 6:30 p.m. at McKinley High School.
HPU Sign Junior College Transfer Chris Evans
Honolulu, HI (8/15/08) – The HPU men’s basketball team signed Chris Evans (6’7, 248) post player out of Southwest Tennessee Community College. Evans joins the Sea Warriors as a junior.
Evans, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, lettered two seasons before signing with the Sea Warriors. In his freshman season with STCC, he averaged 7.5 points per game and was second on the team with a 5.6 rebounding average.
Prior to STCC, Evans was a standout player at Dunbar High School in Fort Worth, Texas. He averaged a double-double his senior season and was a member of the 2003 Texas state championship team.
Sea Warriors Sign Junior College Transfers
Honolulu, HI (5/20/08) – The HPU men’s basketball team announced their latest signings, guard Mike Helton from Cochise College (Arizona), and Norman Wells from John A. Logan College (Illinois).
Helton joins the Sea Warrior roster as a junior and will spend most of his time at the guard position. The 6’6 guard graduated from Montwood High School in his hometown of El Paso, Texas before moving to Cochise County, Arizona to play for Cochise the next two seasons. In his two seasons at Cochise, he averaged 8.3 points per game.
Wells hails from Madison, Indiana where he graduated from Madison Consolidated Schools before playing his freshman season at Indiana State University. At John A. Logan College, Wells averaged 8.4 points per game on 57 percent shooting from the field, and connected on 80 percent of his free throw attempts last season for the Volunteers. He also averaged 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
“I’m excited about playing at HPU,” says Wells. “I went to Maui for a basketball tournament when I was in the eighth grade, and I really liked it. I’m looking forward to going back to Hawai‘i and playing for Coach Sellitto. I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather continue my basketball career.”
HPU Men’s Basketball Sign Mainland Recruits
Honolulu, HI (5/12/08) – The HPU men’s basketball team are continuing to shape the program under Head Coach Tony Sellitto, signing recruits Clifford Hodge and Jeff Ingram. Hodge comes as a junior college transfer from Reedley College (Reedley, California), and Ingram comes also as a junior college transfer, having attended Central Arizona College in Coolidge, Arizona.
Hodge, a native of Lemoore, California, enters HPU as a 6’4 junior and will look to make an impact at the forward position. Hodge is looking forward to his opportunity to play for the Sea Warriors. “I really like the support the Hawai‘i community brings to basketball, and how much they support the program. I also know Coach Sellitto has been a very successful coach, which is a big reason why I chose to come to HPU.”
Hodge was selected to the Central Valley All-Conference Freshman team in his first season with the Tigers.
Ingram (6’4, 185) hails from Queen Creek, Arizona where he lettered as a guard for Central Arizona. He is looking forward to playing for the Sea Warriors as well. “Coach Sellitto is the main reason I chose to come to HPU. I’m a shooter and think I can work really well in what we’ll try and do next season.”
Tony Sellitto Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach for Hawai‘i Pacific University
Legendary local basketball coach Tony Sellitto has been named Head Coach of the Hawai‘i Pacific University Sea Warrior men’s basketball program by HPU President Chatt Wright. The appointment is effective March 3, 2008, and marks the return of Sellitto to the roots of his collegiate coaching career.
Sellitto became HPU’s Athletics Director and Head Coach of the men’s basketball team in 1988 
after a stellar prep coaching career at Maryknoll High School. In 23 years at Maryknoll, he guided the boys’ team to three consecutive Boys A titles and the school’s first and only boys high school state championship in 1984.
“When HPU was looking for a head basketball coach, Tony was already an icon within the high school basketball community in Hawai‘i. He was a tough and demanding coach, which I liked, but his reputation of being a caring and considerate man made me appreciate his overall qualifications even more. It was not a hard decision to offer Coach Sellitto the HPU position in 1988, and I was extremely pleased when he accepted it then, and equally happy that he’s agreed to return,” said President Wright.
“When I retired in 2002, I never thought about returning to coaching at any level, but I did stay close to the local basketball programs because basketball is in my blood. I always loved working with young people and helping them succeed as athletes and in life,” said Sellitto. “The opportunity to return to HPU and work again for President Wright and among the great staff, faculty, and student body at HPU, is something I value greatly.”
Sellitto replaces Darren Vorderbruegge as the head coach of the Sea Warriors. Vorderbruegge held the dual role of HPU’s men’s basketball head coach and Athletics Director for the past two years. He will continue as the University’s AD, mentoring student athletes, working closely with the NCAA, and assisting Pacific West Conference Commissioner Bob Hogue in expanding and strengthening the conference. Additionally, Vorderbruegge will lead an extensive marketing and fundraising effort for the HPU Athletics Department.
“I have a full agenda planned now that I will be able to devote all my effort and energy to my duties as HPU’s Athletics Director,” said Vorderbruegge. “In addition to increasing the visibility of the University and its athletics program through a vibrant community-service program, I intend to extend my circle of influence by working very closely with the faculty on student mentoring, and by actively leading a fundraising effort for the athletics department,” he continued. “HPU is the only local Division II athletics program that televises its basketball and volleyball games, as well as producing its own radio broadcasts for those two sports, and its fine baseball and softball programs. This is wonderful for the student-athletes and for the fans in Hawai‘i. But, this takes time, effort, and money, and it’s my goal to provide even more intercollegiate athletics programming in the years to come,” said Vorderbruegge.
Although the transition from high school to college coaching is difficult for many, Sellitto was an instant success. Hawai‘i Pacific University was a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) when Sellitto became the fifth head coach of the Sea Warriors. In only his second year, he led HPU to the NAIA National Championship Tournament, a feat he would achieve six more times.
During his 14-year tenure, including the last four seasons as part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, Sellitto had 12 winning seasons and compiled an overall record of 298-136 (.684). During the period 1992 to 1997, the Sea Warrior basketball team was consistently ranked in the Top Ten of the NAIA. The hallmark of Sellitto’s coaching career came in 1993 when his Sea Warrior team won the NAIA national championship. Sellitto was selected as the 1992-93 NAIA National Coach of the Year. To this date, HPU remains the only collegiate basketball program in the state of Hawai‘i to have won a national championship.
Sellitto battled health problems during the final few years he coached at HPU and retired in 2002. But, he never stopped positively influencing people’s lives. Known affectionately as “Tony the Tiger” and “Tulsa Tony” (honoring his string of appearances at the National Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma), Sellitto has mentored many local basketball coaches in Hawai‘i, as well as hundreds of students athletes who continue to seek his guidance, on and off the court.
At the age of 69 and fully recovered from the health issues that caused what many believed was a premature retirement, he now returns to Hawai‘i Pacific University confident that he can return the Sea Warriors to national prominence.
Coach Sellitto can be contacted for interviews at 561-5937.
## ***Note: See attached article from Hawai‘i Pacific University’s quarterly magazine, HPU Today (Winter 2001), for more information about Coach Sellitto and the history of the Sea Warrior men’s basketball program.
HPU Fall To Vulcans
Hilo, Hawai'i (2/27/08) – Looking to end their season on a high note, the HPU men’s basketball team fell mightily to UH-Hilo, 100-64. The Sea Warriors close the season at 8-19 overall, and 5-13 in conference, while UHH improves to 13-11 overall and 8-8 in the PacWest.
UH-Hilo seized control of the game right from the opening tipoff. After Misha Radojevic (10 pts) scored to cut the lead to 6-4, the Vulcans ran off 11 straight points to bolster the lead to 17-4 just over five minutes into the game. HPU trailed at halftime 45-32.
The second half began with some optimism, as jumpers by Radojevic and Jason Curtis (16 pts), cut into the Vulcan lead to trail just 48-37. The 11-point deficit was as close as HPU would come, as a 23-6 run gave UHH an insurmountable 71-43 advantage.
Four Sea Warriors posted double figures in the loss. Rishi Kakad and Logan Wolf each added 11 points. Vince Alvarado (UHH) led all scorers with 24 points.
Sea Warriors Swept By Dixie State, Seniors Honored
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (2/23/08) – At Kaiser High School, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams each fell to Dixie State College. The men’s team lost 82-73, while the Lady Sea Warriors dropped their third game in a row, 65-58. Following each game the seniors were honored for their contributions to the HPU basketball program.
The Lady Sea Warriors (7-19) came out with a very anemic first half. They scored only 18 points, shooting 33% from the field and just 1-6 from beyond the arc. Despite the dismal first half shooting, HPU remained tough defensively and trailed just 26-18 at the half.
After a Lindsey Chettinger three-pointer gave DSU (13-10) a 33-23 lead less than three minutes into the second half, HPU finally got their motor running. Natalie Mitchell (8 pts, 6 reb) and Ashley Jenkins carried HPU on a 9-1 run to pull even at 34-34 with 12:44 remaining in the game. After two made free throws by Emily Kreutter (9 pts), HPU and DSU were again tied, this time at 44-44 with 6:55 to play. The rest of the game saw the Lady Rebels grab another lead and slowly pull away for the victory.
Karras Blate and Jenkins tied for team honors with 12 points, and Chettinger and Jessica Carver led all scorers with 17 points each.
On the men’s side, HPU (8-18) and DSU (11-12) played a tough and emotional contest. Jason Curtis and Rishi Kakad tied DSU’s Landon Clegg with a game-high 19 points. DSU struck first, as Clegg capped an early 16-5 spurt with a driving layup. The Sea Warriors fought back, and trailed 38-30 entering halftime.
HPU made an early second half run, scoring 10 consecutive points to pull even at 39-39 with 16:37 remaining in the game. Two jumpers by Logan Wolf (6 pts, 7 reb) highlighted the run. DSU countered with a 9-2 run, and HPU played catch up the rest of the way.
Justonn Smith and Ryan Walker added 10 and 11 points, respectively.
Both the men’s and women’s teams conclude their season at UH-Hilo this Wednesday, February 27. Tip off time for the women’s game is set for 5:30 p.m., with the men’s game to follow.
Lady Sea Warriors Finding Stride In Route Of Argonauts
HPU men fall short in comeback effort
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (2/15/08) – At Kaiser High School, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams battled Notre Dame de Namur University in a PacWest doubleheader. The men’s team fell 71-59 to the Argos, while the Lady Sea Warriors won decisively, 82-60.
On the men’s side, HPU (6-17, 3-11) fell behind early in falling to NDNU (9-13, 5-9) for the second time this season. A three-point NDNU lead with 7:22 remaining in the first half swelled to 34-19 on the heels of a 17-5 Argo run.
The 15 point lead entering the second half set the stage for an HPU comeback, and with 9:52 remaining in the game, the Sea Warriors held a 45-43 lead. NDNU would recover and close to the 12-point win. Jason Curtis tied Dan Bergeron for game honors with 20 points, and Rishi Kakad posted 14 points.
The Lady Sea Warriors (7-16) won for the fourth time in five games, evening their conference record at 7-7. They atoned for an early defeat of NDNU with the resounding win. Ashley Jenkins dropped a career high 37 points, as she lead the way for the Sea Warriors.
Despite the dominant effort, HPU waited until the second half to take command of the game. The Sea Warriors scored the first 11 points of the second half, distancing themselves from the even game. Jocelyne Norris posted 12 points and eight rebounds and Angela Spence dropped seven points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Tanaia Keyes led the Argos with 13 points.
HPU and NDNU will face off again tomorrow, Saturday, February 16 at Kaiser High School. Tip off for the women’s game is set for 5:30 p.m. with the men’s game following at 7:30 p.m.
Sea Warriors Split Against Grand Canyon
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (2/13/08) - At Kaiser High School, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams split a PacWest doubleheader with Grand Canyon University. The Lady Warriors’ three-game winning streak came to an end with a 70-68 overtime loss, and the men’s team righted the ship with an 85-78 victory over the Antelopes.
On the ladies side, HPU (6-16, 6-7) lost for the first time in nearly three weeks. After double-digit losses in their first two meetings, the Sea Warriors responded well against the current conference leaders. Karras Blate had a stellar night from the field, shooting 8-12 and 4-7 from beyond the arc for a game high 21 points. Jocelyne Norris was nearly perfect from the floor, shooting 7-8 for 17 points. Ashley Jenkins posted 13 points and 11 rebounds, but also recorded a season high 10 turnovers.
Despite the loss, HPU made a valiant run to send the game into overtime. Trailing 57-49 with 4:25 to play, the Sea Warriors ran off 10 straight points to take a two-point lead. Angela Spence (8 pts) capped the run with a jumper at the 2:35 mark. Buckets by Samantha Murphy (16 pts) and Rosalyn Nelson (11 pts) helped send the game into overtime for the ‘Lopes who eventually stole the win.
On the men’s side, HPU (6-16, 3-10) captured a much needed win after a humbling defeat at the hands of BYUH just days ago. Justonn Smith had a monster night on the boards, snatching 15 rebounds in addition to shooting 4-5 for 12 points. Jason Curtis delivered one of his best performances in a Sea Warrior uniform, dropping 21 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out seven assists.
HPU grabbed in early lead as a Rishi Kakad (19 pts) three-pointer gave them a 23-16 lead with 10:49 remaining in the first half. The lead dwindled, and the Sea Warriors found themselves trailing 65-56 with 12:20 remaining in the game. David Gonzales drained one of his five three-pointers to give GCU the nine point lead. Gonzales led all scorers with 33 points on 12-17 shooting.
Rishi Kakad drained another three ball to spark a 13-3 run capped by a three-pointer from Ryan Walker (15 pts). Down the stretch the Sea Warriors held the lead and captured the seven point win, their second in three games.
Both teams return to action on Friday, February 15 to face off with Notre Dame de Namur University. Both games will be played at Kaiser High School, with the women tipping off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. The men’s game will be broadcast live on KWHE-TV 14 and simulcast on KUMU AM 1500.
Neil Everett To Speak At Tony Sellitto Night
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (2/6/08) – At halftime of the men’s basketball game this Saturday, February 9, legendary coach Tony Sellitto will be honored for his years of service to HPU athletics. Tony Sellitto was the HPU Athletics Director and Men’s Basketball Coach from 1988-2002, and amassed 298 wins and won a NAIA National Title in 1993.
Most notably in attendance to honor the Sea Warrior great will be Neil Everett, a legendary media mogul in his own right. A former member of the HPU athletics department, Everett will fly in from Bristol, Connecticut where he is a Sportcenter Anchor for ESPN.
“I would absolutely not be where I am at ESPN without Coach Sellitto and Hawai‘i Pacific University,” compliments Everett. “He was an educator not only to his players, but to me and all those lucky enough to work with him. I am forever grateful for his help and friendship.”
Neil has been a friend of the HPU family for quite some time. After graduating from the University of Oregon in 1984, he joined HPU and worked side by side with Coach Sellitto for 12 years. Everett was the jack of all trades for Sea Warrior athletics. After several years as the Sports Information Director, he became the Assistant Athletics Director of Special Events and Compliance. He also served as the Sports Director for KGMB, a career path that led him to ESPN and eventually the anchor spot on Sportscenter.
Pacific West Conference Commissioner Bob Hogue will also be attendance, along with HPU President Chatt G. Wright.
Tipoff for the game against BYU-Hawai‘i is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. following the conclusion of the HPU women’s basketball game. The game and halftime ceremony will be televised live on KWHE-TV 14 and simulcast on KUMU AM 1500. All media are invited to attend.
Sea Warriors Turn Away Undefeated Silverswords
Lady Sea Warriors Top Chaminade Honolulu, Hawai‘i (2/3/08) – At McCabe Gym on the campus of Chaminade University, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams took two games from the Silverswords. HPU turned back undefeated Chaminade in the men’s game, 63-57, and the Lady Sea Warriors dominated en route to a 78-65 win.
On the men’s side, HPU (5-15, 2-9) upended a Chaminade team that had been steamrolling through the PacWest, and stood alone at the top of the standings. Five Sea Warriors scored eight or more points, led by Rishi Kakad with 14 points. Defense prevailed for HPU, as they held CUH to just 32% shooting in the second half to steal the victory.
Both teams played an even contest in the early going, until Chaminade closed the first half on a 14-4 run to lead 33-20. The second half saw CUH extend the lead to 41-24 on a Marko Kolaric (6 pts, 18 reb) jumper. Facing their largest deficit of the game, HPU regrouped and put together a 15-3 run to pull within six points at 44-39. Three-pointers by Ryan Walker and Logan Wolf keyed the run.
Trailing 50-46 with 6:56 remaining, HPU scored the game’s next 11 points to grab a 57-50 lead. Kakad drained all three of his three-pointers during the run. The HPU defense was stingy down the stretch, as they pulled off the memorable win.
Ryan Walker and Logan Wolf each dropped nine points, with Deonte Johnson grabbing a team high seven rebounds. Stewart Kussler posted 21 points to lead all scorers.
On the ladies side, HPU and Chaminade played in a tight battle until the Sea Warriors broke away in the second half to win going away. HPU built an early 21-10 lead on a three-pointer by Ashley Jenkins with 11:34 remaining in the first half. Jenkins finished with a game-high 23 points.
Chaminade responded with a 15-4 run capped by a layup from Simrin Cummins (14 pts), as the half ended with a 33-29 HPU lead. The second half saw CUH come all the way back, tying the game at 37-37 less than four minutes into the half. That was as close as the Silverswords would get, as a 15-3 spurt gave HPU a lead they would not relinquish. Six points by Angela Spence (16 pts) keyed the HPU run, as the Sea Warriors led by as much as 19 points before leaving with the win. Karras Blate (13 pts) and Jocelyne Norris (12 pts) rounded out the HPU double-figure scorers.
Both teams retake the court Saturday, February 9 against BYU-Hawai‘i at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Tip-off for the women’s game is set for 5:30 p.m., with the men’s game to follow at 7:30 p.m. The men’s game will be broadcast on KWHE-TV 14 and simulcast on KUMU AM 1500.
Sea Warriors Rise From The Deep
Honolulu, Hawai'i (1/30/08) - HPU delivered two strong performances tonight, with the Lady Sea Warriors topping the Lady Silverswords 69-55, and the men falling short of an upset against undefeated Chaminade, 80-72. Karras Blate dropped 18 points in the win for the Lady Sea Warriors, with Jason Curtis posting a career high 28 points in the loss for the HPU men.
The Lady Sea Warriors (4-15, 4-6) topped Chaminade (0-17, 0-10) for the second time this season in the first live televised broadcast of women’s collegiate basketball in Hawai‘i. After struggling on their recent road trip, HPU returned to form to notch their fourth conference victory. Blate’s 18 points came on 6-13 shooting and 4-7 from beyond the arc. Jocelyne Norris delivered arguably her best performance in an HPU uniform, dropping 13 points on 5-10 shooting while grabbing a school record 16 rebounds.
Ashley Jenkins (15 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast) and Angela Spence (12 pts, 5 reb) also played well. Caitlin Prager led the way for Chaminade with 17 points and seven rebounds.
On the men’s side, HPU (4-15, 1-9) looked to atone for the 28-point drumming in their previous meeting with Chaminade (15-4, 10-0). After the Silverswords opened a 30-14 lead, a dominant victory for Chaminade seemed certain, but HPU had other ideas. The Sea Warriors settled down, and responded to cut the deficit to 39-31 at halftime.
The lead shrunk to five points in the second half, as HPU kept Chaminade off the boards and eyed the comeback and the possible upset. Down the stretch though, it was the Silverswords who pulled out the victory in one of their harder fought PacWest victories.
Jason Curtis led all scorers, dropping 28 points on 10-17 shooting. Ryan Walker and Justonn Smith also delivered solid performances. Walker posted 14 points including 3-5 from beyond the arc, and Smith dropped 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Marko Kolaric posted 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Chaminade.
Both teams match wits against the Silverswords again this Sunday, February 3, in their final meetings of the season. The women’s game tips off at 1:30 p.m. followed by the men’s game at 3:30 p.m. Both games take place at McCabe Gym on the campus of Chaminade University. The men’s game will be broadcast live on KUMU AM 1500.
HPU Topped By Seasiders Again
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (1/19/08) – On the campus of BYU-Hawai‘i, the Sea Warrior men’s basketball team fell to BYUH for the second time in as many games. In losing 74-53, HPU drops to 1-6 in conference, 4-12 overall, and BYUH improves to 4-2 in the PacWest and 9-4 overall. The Sea Warriors shot just under 31% from the field.
The Seasiders proved to be too much for HPU, jumping out to an 8-2 lead 4:12 into the game. Lucas Alves put home a jumper for two of his game-high 19 points to cap the run. The lead swelled as high as 17 points before BYUH took a 38-23 lead into halftime.
The second half saw BYUH increase the lead to 48-27 before HPU made a run to get back into the game. After consecutive three-pointers by Rishi Kakad (12 P) and Ryan Walker (13 P), the Sea Warriors trailed 51-46 with 9:41 remaining in the game. But the six-point deficit was as close as HPU would come, as BYUH rebuilt the comfortable lead and won going away. Justonn Smith added 11 points for HPU and shot 5-6 from the free throw line.
HPU departs for the mainland on Monday for a pair of PacWest road games. They face off with Notre Dame de Namur on Wednesday, January 23, and Dixie State College on Saturday, January 26. Tipoff times for both games are set for 7:30 p.m. local time.
HPU Shutdown By Seasiders
Laie, Hawai‘i (1/16/08) – At the Canon Activities Center on the campus of BYU-Hawai‘i, the HPU men’s basketball team fell to the Seasiders, 74-54. The Sea Warriors fall to 4-11 overall and 1-5 in the PacWest, while BYUH improves to 8-4 (3-2).
The story of the game was defense. HPU’s 54 points were the fewest scored all season, as leading scorer Jason Curtis was held to just 10 points. The Sea Warriors shot just over 39% from the field and went 2-11 from beyond the arc. HPU struggled from the free throw line as well, finishing 14-27 from the stripe.
BYUH took control early, racing out to an early 11-3 lead capped by a Jermaine Odjegba (7 P, 8 R) dunk. The Sea Warriors regrouped to cut the Seasider advantage to 17-15 with 12:07 remaining in the first half. Ryan Walker (5 P) took a pass from Justonn Smith (5 P) and nailed a three-pointer to slice into the lead.
BYUH regained control, as Marques Whippy (6 P) capped an 11-0 Seasider run with a three-point play. HPU trailed 41-27 at halftime. The 14-point halftime deficit proved to be too much to overcome, as the BYUH lead swelled to as many as 22 points.
Rishi Kakad finished with nine points followed by Smith with eight points. Rod Harmon posted six points while grabbing six rebounds. Trenson Akana (BYUH) led all scorers with 17 points.
HPU return to Laie this Saturday, January 19 to face off once again with the Seasiders. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. following the conclusion of the women’s basketball game. The game will be broadcast on KUMU AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warrior Basketball Teams Fall To UH-Hilo
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (1/12/08) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams fell to UH-Hilo in a PacWest doubleheader. The Lady Sea Warriors (1-13, 1-4) dropped an 86-73 result while the men (4-10, 1-4) fell 82-76 in overtime.
In the second time in as many days, the Lady Sea Warriors saw a close contest with the Vulcans slip away. After a three-pointer by Nesha Kimitete (17 P) gave UH-Hilo an early 20-11 lead, HPU responded with a 10-0 run capped by an Ashley Jenkins jumper. The Sea Warriors would take a 36-35 lead into halftime.
The second half saw a 51-point outburst by the Lady Vulcans, an offensive output too high for HPU to keep up. The Lady Sea Warriors still had an opportunity to steal the victory, as clutch free throw shots by Jennifer Sweeney (7 P, 6 R) cut the Vulcan lead to 71-68 with 3:06 to play. That was as close as HPU would come, as UHH ran off nine unanswered points to win going away.
Karras Blate led HPU with 17 points, followed by Jenkins who dropped 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Sheila Azevedo (UHH) led all scorers with 27 points.
On the men’s side, HPU dropped their second overtime game of the season. The Sea Warriors opened the game with the hot hand. Baskets by Justonn Smith and Rod Harmon (8 P) highlighted an opening 15-4 spurt. The Vulcans would respond, and crept back to within two points. Jacob Briggs (11 P) laid a ball in with 3:48 to play in the first half to cut to a 25-23 HPU lead.
The second half saw HPU lead by the slimmest of margins until a three-pointer by Vince Alvarado (UHH) tied the score at 54-54 with 7:03 to play in the game. Clutch free throw shooting by Smith and baskets by Jason Curtis (8 P) kept the game close, as both teams headed into overtime deadlocked at 66-66.
The Sea Warriors seemed prime to capture the win, as Rishi Kakad drained his fifth three-pointer of the game to give HPU a 76-75 lead with 47 seconds to play. HPU would be unable to find the basket again, as UH Hilo ran off seven straight points for the win.
Jay De Maestri led UH Hilo with 18 points, and Smith and Kakad tied for game high honors with 19 points each.
Both teams return to the court Wednesday, January 16 as they take on BYU-Hawai‘i at the Canon Activities Center in Laie, HI. Tipoff for the women’s game is set for 5:30 p.m. followed by the men’s game. The men’s game will be broadcast on KUMU AM 1500 radio.
Men’s Basketball Stumbles, Lady Sea Warriors Notch Historic Win
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (1/9/08) – A PacWest doubleheader between Chaminade and Hawai‘i Pacific University featured both joy and heartache. While HPU men’s basketball fell to a hot shooting Silversword team, 84-56, the Lady Sea Warriors defeated Chaminade, 70-63, for the first home win in the short history of the program.
On the men’s side, HPU (3-9, 0-3) were severely outplayed by Chaminade (8-4, 3-0) in the 28-point loss. The opening minutes featured a close affair, as Rod Harmon (2 P, 5 R) drove in for a layup 3:41 into the game to cut the CUH lead to 9-8. The rest of the game was not pretty, as a 20-3 run midway through the first half broke the game wide open.
Misha Radojevic performed well once again, posting a team high 13 points and five rebounds. Justonn Smith dropped 12 points and Jason Curtis garnered nine points and five rebounds. Mike Green (CUH) led all scorers with 19 points.
On the ladies side, HPU’s historic win was a hard fought one, as the Lady Sea Warriors (1-11, 1-2) overcame a 10-point second half deficit to secure the win against Chaminade (0-10, 0-3). Trailing 34-28 at the half, HPU saw the Lady Swords open the second half on a quick 6-2 run to extend to a 40-30 lead, the largest of the game for either team.
HPU would finally make their push, and cut the lead to 47-45 on the heels of a 12-2 run. Ashley Jenkins (11 P) drained a three-pointer to cap the run. With seven minutes to play, Emily Kruetter laid a ball in for a 57-56 Sea Warriors lead, one they would not relinquish. Kreutter was fantastic on the night, dropping 12 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for the double-double.
The win was another team effort, as five Sea Warriors posted double figures, led by center Angela Spence with 17 points on 7-10 shooting. Simrin Cummins (CUH) led all scorers with 18 points.
HPU basketball returns this Friday, January 11, as both teams face off with UH-Hilo in another PacWest showdown. Tip-off for the women’s game is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center, following by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. At halftime of the men’s game, the 1992-93 men’s basketball team will be honored for their NAIA Championship season.
HPU To Honor 1993 National Champions
Honolulu, Hawai'i (1/8/08) - Hawai‘i Pacific University holds a proud and storied athletic tradition, and no achievement has exemplified this more than the crowning of the 1993 men’s basketball team as NAIA National Champions. This season marks the 15th anniversary of this historic event, and Friday, January 11, during halftime of the HPU men’s basketball game, players and coaches from this championship team will be honored for their accomplishment.
In attendance will be teammates Casey Hines, James Williams, Mike McDaniel, and Michael Johnson; as well as Assistant Coaches Darrell Matsui, Francis Fletcher, and legendary Head Coach Tony Sellitto. Sellitto led HPU for 14 seasons, collecting 295 wins and posting 12 winning seasons. Other members of the championship team were: David Smith, Lemar Young, Andy Gardiner, Roger Huggins, Misho Ognjanovic, Tim Reynolds, Miko Ajanovic, Shane Takeshita, and Brendan Murphy.
The victory over Oklahoma Baptist in the 1993 NAIA title game was the first national championship in school history, and remains as the only collegiate basketball title in the state of Hawai‘i. "We were the first national championship basketball team in Hawai‘i, which makes our accomplishment all the more special,” says Sellitto of the program’s crowning achievement. “We knew from the beginning that we would be successful based on the talent of our athletes. It is nice to get recognition for that incredible season, especially for the players."
“We are fortunate and proud to be part of such a strong tradition,” adds HPU Athletics Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Darren Vorderbruegge. “It is an honor to be recognizing such a fine group of individuals.”
The Sea Warriors finished the 1993 campaign with a 30-4 record, culminating their magical season in the 88-83 victory over the Bison in the title game of the NAIA tournament. The 1993 team dispelled all doubts about basketball in the islands, winning despite losing Roger Huggins, their leading scorer and rebounder, to an injury earlier in the tournament. Lemar Young scored a game-high 24 points, and David Smith drained four clutch foul shots to seal the historic win for the Sea Warriors.
Start time for the men’s game versus UH-Hilo is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center. The 1993 team will be honored following the conclusion of the first half. The game and halftime celebration will be televised live on KUMU AM 1500 radio and simulcast on KWHE-TV 14.
Media should arrive courtside at Blaisdell no later than 8:00 p.m.
OC-16 To Broadcast HPU Basketball
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (1/8/08) – Oceanic Cable Channel 16 has agreed to feature two HPU basketball games. Both the HPU men’s and women’s games on January 30 against Chaminade University are slated on the OC-16 broadcast schedule, as announced by PacWest Commissioner Bob Hogue and OC-16 Sports Manager Dave Vinton.
Scheduled tip-off time for the women’s game is set for 5:30 p.m. at McCabe Gym on the Chaminade campus, followed by the men’s matchup at 7:30 p.m. The schedule is the same for both dates.
The game will also be broadcasted on KUMU AM 1500, and live on www.oc16.tv.
Basketball Teams Swept By Grand Canyon
Phoenix, Arizona (1/3/08) – Both HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams fell short in their efforts to atone for yesterday’s losses. The Lady Sea Warriors shaved off 19 points in falling 86-72, and the men’s team dropped an overtime heartbreaker, 95-92.
The Lady Sea Warriors (0-11, 0-2) responded well after a crushing defeat a day earlier. Ashley Jenkins (18 P, 7 R) was complimented well by Karras Blate and Angela Spence, who dropped a season high 21 and 16 points, respectively. Spence also added a team high eight rebounds. Rosalyn Nelson (GCU) stole the show with 28 points and 10 rebounds.
HPU fell behind early, as Ashley Hardin drained a jumper 5:55 seconds into the game for a 16-4 Antelope lead. The Sea Warriors recovered well, as five straight points by Erica Hansen (6 P) cut the lead to 35-29 with 3:10 remaining in the first half. The lead was shaved even closer in the second half. Jenkins sank a jumper to cap an 8-1 Sea Warrior run, as HPU trailed 50-45 with 12:55 remaining. The teams traded baskets until GCU went on a 7-0 to take a 61-50 lead, a lead HPU would not overcome.
On the men’s side, HPU (3-8, 0-2) rallied from an early 10 point deficit to take a late second half lead. Trailing 25-13, HPU went on an 8-0 capped by a Rishi Kakad jumper with 1:53 to play in the first half. Kakad would post a team high 20 points and HPU trailed at halftime 30-23.
The second half featured an offensive explosion, as both teams combined for 107 second half points. HPU took their first lead, 47-46, since the early going on two made free throws by Kakad with 10:33 to play. Neither team would lead by more than three points until HPU went on a late 6-0 run to take a 69-62 lead with 1:14 remaining. A bucket and two free throws by Misha Radojevic keyed the late run. Radojevic posted a career high 12 points and seven rebounds.
HPU appeared to have the game wrapped up, but Ty Morrison (GCU) dribbled the length of the court after a Rod Harmon (18 P) made free throw, laying the ball in as time expired to tie the score at 80-80 and send the game into overtime.
Overtime saw GCU grab an early lead and never relinquish it. A three-pointer by Brandon Dempster 40 seconds into the period gave GCU an 85-82 advantage. Every response by HPU was matched by the Antelopes. Jason Curtis (14 P) missed on a three-point attempt as time expired, giving GCU the 95-92 victory.
A season high six Sea Warriors posted double figures in points. Ryan Walker dropped 12 points and Justonn Smith posted 10 points. Rudy Bogan led all scorers with 28 points, also grabbing nine rebounds.
Both HPU teams return to action Wednesday, January 9 against Chaminade for another PacWest doubleheader. The Lady Sea Warriors tipoff at 5:00 p.m. with the men’s game set to start at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be played at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
Men's And Women's Basketball Drop Conference Openers
Phoenix, Arizona (1/2/08) - The Sea Warrior men's and women's basketball teams dropped their respective PacWest openers to Grand Canyon University. The Lady Sea Warriors fell 79-46, and the men's team lost 73-68. On the Lady’s side, the Antelopes (5-7, 1-0) proved to be too much for the Lady Sea Warriors, who fell to 0-10 on the season.
Guard Ashley Jenkins led the way for HPU, dropping a game-high 21 points on 7-15 shooting. The ‘Lopes had four players post double figures, led by Rosalyn Nelson with 20 points. In so many games this season, the opposition raced out to an early lead. The same transpired today, as GCU opened an early 14-2 lead. Consecutive layups by Samantha Murphy (17 P) led to the 12-point advantage. HPU scored their first basket of the game with 11:39 to play in the first half, as Karras Blate (4 P) nailed a three-pointer to cut the GCU lead to 18-5.
As in many games this season, HPU finally found their stride. A Jenkins three ball with 4:31 to play in the first half cut the lead to 21-11. With HPU looking to make a game of it, GCU opened the second half with a 21-0 run to all but seal matters. HPU scored their first points of the half as Jocelyn Norris (6 P, 6 R) laid a ball in for a 51-18 Antelope lead, but GCU would cruised to the 33-point victory. The ‘Lopes were dominant in the paint, outscoring HPU 24-10.
The second half of the PacWest doubleheader featured a closer matchup with the same result. In the loss for HPU, Jason Curtis led all scorers with 20 points, and Justonn Smith posted eight points and six rebounds. Rishi Kakad delivered a solid performance for HPU, dropping 11 points with four rebounds. HPU started off strong, as three-pointers by Kakad and Rod Harmon (5 P) helped build a 10-3 HPU lead just 4:43 into the game. GCU battled back and took a 30-23 lead with 4:52 remaining in the first half. David Gonzales (10 P) drained a three-pointer to extend to the seven-point lead.
The second half saw a close battle slowly slip away from the Sea Warriors. After a Ryan Walker three-pointer 2:50 into the half cut the GCU lead to 40-38, the Antelopes went on a 17-4 run. Trailing by as much as 17 points, HPU mounted a comeback. A 10-0 ran got the Sea Warriors right back in the game, and after another Walker three ball with 1:05 remaining, the Antelope lead had been cut to 70-66. The comeback would fall short, as GCU escaped with the 73-68 win.
Both men’s and women’s teams face off with Grand Canyon once more before returning to the islands. The Lady Sea Warriors tip-off at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, January 3, with the men’s game to follow at 7:30 p.m.
HPU Trampled By Mustangs
Silver City, New Mexico (12/29/07) – At Western New Mexico University, the Sea Warriors fell to the Mustangs 73-57. Leading by six points at halftime, HPU (3-6) surrendered 54 second half points to WNMU (5-5) en route to the 16-point loss.
The Sea Warriors were seeking to close their non-conference schedule on a high note, and looked primed to do so as they took a 25-19 lead into halftime. Justonn Smith and Rod Harmon each dropped six points to help HPU to the six-point lead.
The second half saw the wheels fall off the HPU bandwagon. The Sea Warriors witnessed a possessed Mustang team trot out of the locker room, outscoring them 54-32 to win going away. HPU would maintain their halftime lead in the early going though. Rishi Kakad nailed a three-pointer 13 seconds into the half for a 28-19 lead, and Rod Harmon maintained the nine-point advantage on a three-point play with 15:09 remaining.
WNMU then ran off 12 consecutive points, taking a 40-36 lead on a Chad Aguirre (13 pts) three ball with 10:53 remaining. After a jumper by Misha Radojevic (6 pts, 4 rebounds) and a layup by Jason Curtis tied the game at 40-40, WNMU went on an 8-0 run to take a 62-46 lead with 3:07 to go.
Curtis and Kakad took top honors for the Sea Warriors with 14 points each. Harmon finished the game with nine points and five rebounds, and Smith posted seven points and six rebounds.
Casey Crevelone scored a game high 25 points for Western New Mexico.
The Sea Warriors kick off their conference schedule Tuesday, January 2 as they face off with Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m.
Double Trouble – HPU Drops Doubleheader to Colorado School of Mines
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (12/22/07) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams took on the Colorado School of Mines in a non-conference doubleheader. The Lady Sea Warriors played game one, losing 69-63, and the men fell in the nightcap, 73-61.
On the ladies side, HPU (0-8) sought their first victory but fell short in their closest game of the season. The Lady Sea Warriors grabbed the lead in the early going, as Jocelyn Norris (13 pts) put home a jumper just inside of 14 minutes to play, giving HPU an 11-8 lead. The Orediggers (6-4) would respond and take a 31-22 lead into halftime.
Battling uphill for the most of the game, HPU cut the lead to six points on several occasions. They made one final push when Emily Kruetter scored on a layup with 2:07 to play to cut the Oredigger lead to 63-57. But Mines would hold on, as solid free throw shooting down the stretch sealed the victory. Ashley Jenkins led all scorers, dropping 23 points on 8-24 shooting. Karras Blate delivered another solid effort off the bench with 10 points. Emily Dalton led the way for the Orediggers with 20 points.
The nightcap saw a tight battle that would eventually slip away from the Sea Warriors, who fell to 3-5 on the season. HPU held slim leads for most of the first half, but it was Mines (6-4) who took a 37-33 lead into halftime. Ryan Walker kept HPU rolling, shooting 3-3 from downtown for 11 points. HPU shot 57% from the field in the half.
The second half saw the two opponents trade baskets in the early going, but a three-point play converted by Rishi Kakad at the 3:33 mark narrowed the gap to 44-42. Mines responded with a 10-3 run capped by a three pointer by Kyle Pape. The run proved to be the capper, as the Orediggers maintained a double digit lead for the rest of the game.
Kakad, Walker, and Jason Curtis all scored in double figures for HPU. Walker finished with 11 points, with Curtis posting 15 points and adding five assists. Kakad led HPU with 19 points. Justonn Smith and Baba Coulibaly each grabbed four rebounds in the losing effort.
Kyle Pape, a former All-State player at Iolani School in Hawai‘i, led all scorers with 20 points.
The Lady Sea Warriors next take the court Sunday, December 30 against the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Recreation Center. The men’s team leaves for the mainland this week, as they face off with Western New Mexico University Saturday, December 29 in the first of a three-game road trip. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m. in Silver City, New Mexico.
Sea Warriors Dig Hole in Loss To Tampa
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (12/18/07) – In their second and final game of the Malika Sports Hoop ‘N Surf Tournament, the HPU men’s basketball team fell to the University of Tampa, 69-56. The game was played at the Canon Activities Center in Laie, Hawai‘i. HPU falls below .500 for the first time this season at 3-4, and the Spartans improve to 5-2.
UT appeared set for a blowout, scoring the game’s first 14 points capped by a Jeremy Black (15 pts, 8 rebounds) slam with 13:42 remaining in the first half. HPU notched their first points of the game on a Deonte Johnson (7 pts) jumper with 12:15 to play. The bucket sparked a 9-2 run and the Sea Warriors suddenly found themselves back in the game. HPU closed the gap even further on a jumper by Rishi Kakad with 1:05 to play to cut the lead to 23-19. The Spartans would take a 26-19 lead into the half.
The second half started auspiciously for HPU, as three-pointers by Johnson and Rod Harmon (3 pts, 5 rebounds) brought the Sea Warriors within one point at 26-25. HPU then took their first lead of the game, as Kakad forced a turnover from Chris Evans (14 pts, 7 rebounds) and promptly nailed a jumper, giving HPU a 27-26 lead less than three minutes into the second half. HPU enjoyed the lead ever so briefly, as UT leapt out to a 43-32 advantage on the heels of a 14-5 run.
The Sea Warriors appeared set for one final run, as Ryan Walker dialed long distance to bring his team within seven points of the lead with 7:54 remaining in the game. The run did not materialize, as a 9-0 UT spurt dashed any hopes of a Sea Warrior comeback. The Spartans led 56-40 with 5:53 remaining.
Rishi Kakad and Justonn Smith provided the spark for HPU, posting 12 and 11 points respectively. Smith tied for game high honors with eight rebounds. Jason Curtis was relatively quiet on the scoresheet, garnering five points on 2-8 shooting. Johnathan Ball (UT) led all scorers with 19 points.
HPU returns to action Saturday, December 22 against the Colorado School of Mines. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center as the second game of a doubleheader with the HPU women’s team. The game will be broadcast on KWHE-TV 14 and simulcast on KUMU AM 1500.
HPU Falls Short In Loss To Florida Southern
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (12/17/07) – In a day where the Lady Sea Warriors fell to Truman State, the HPU men’s basketball team started strong but fell to Florida Southern University, 77-65, at the Malika Sports Hoop ‘N Surf Tournament. FSU improves to 7-3 while HPU falls to 3-3. The game was played at McKinley High School Gymnasium.
HPU started strong, finding open looks and shooting a high percentage. They shot 48% in the first half. After a Jason Curtis jumper at the 17:37 mark, HPU led 8-2 and were looking sharp. The Sea Warriors extended their lead to 16-6 at the 12:30 mark, as Justonn Smith fed Rod Harmon for a layup. But with the half winding down, the Moccasins went on a 10-2 run capped by a buzzer beater layup by Braxton Williams (8 pts, 4 assists).
After leading nearly the entire first half, HPU finally gave up the lead as Rob Eldridge (7 pts, 4 rebounds) sank a free through 21 seconds into the second half for a 34-33 FSU lead. Florida Southern would never relinquish the lead as they held on for the 12 point win.
HPU did not go down without a fight, appearing to grab the momentum with a 9-2 run midway through the second half. Ryan Walker hit two 3-pointers and Rod Harmon drained another from downtown to cut the Moccasin lead to 52-50. FSU regained the momentum, building a 65-55 lead on a Will Graham layup with 5:19 remaining in the game.
Four Sea Warriors posted double-figures on the evening. Jason Curtis led the way with 17 points, with Rod Harmon (12 pts), Rishi Kakad (11 pts), and Justonn Smith (10 pts) all having solid performances. Curtis added a game high five assists and Smith also pulled down six rebounds. Rion Rayfield scored a game high 22 points for Florida Southern.
The Sea Warriors have a short turnaround, as they head out to Laie, Hawai‘i tomorrow for their second and final game of the Tournament. HPU will take on the University of Tampa at 5:00 p.m. at the Canon Activities Center on the campus of BYU-Hawai‘i. The game will be broadcast on KUMU AM-1500.
Men's Basketball Look To Make A Splash at Hoop 'N Surf
Honolulu, Hawai'i (12/12/07) – After a dominant win over the Reddies of Henderson State, the Sea Warrior men's basketball team now set their sights on next week's Hoop 'N Surf Tournament. The annual event, hosted by Malika Sports, features HPU, BYU-Hawai'i, Florida Southern University, and the University of Tampa.
"The Hoop 'N Surf Tournament is always a unique experience," comments HPU Head Coach Darren Vorderbruegge. "It brings teams from all over the country together in Hawai'i." HPU will first take on Florida Southern on Monday, December 17 at McKinley High School. Tip off is set for 8:15 p.m. The Sea Warriors face off with the University of Tampa one day later at the Canon Activities Center on the BYUH campus. Tip off is set for 5:00 p.m.
"For local basketball fans it is an opportunity to see some of the nation's finest NCAA Division II teams," says Vorderbruegge. The Sea Warriors enter the tournament 3-2 with two wins against Golden State Baptist and another over Henderson State. Justonn Smith (Jr., Redwood City, California) and Jason Curtis (Jr., Landover, Maryland) lead the team with 15 and 14.4 points per game, respectively. Junior guard Jason McKinney (Inglewood, California) leads HPU with four assists.
Monday's matchup will be broadcast live on KWHE-TV 14, with Tuesday's game broadcast on KUMU AM 1500.
HPU Drowns Henderson State
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (12/2/07) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s basketball team dominated the Henderson State Reddies, 70-54. With the win, HPU moves one game over .500 at 3-2, while HSU falls to 0-4. Jason Curtis dropped a game high 19 points for the Sea Warriors, who rebounded from consecutive losses at the Mac Martin Tournament.
Senior Logan Wolf had an overall solid game for HPU, scoring nine points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out four assists. Kevin Schneider and Rod Harmon also posted nine points, and Justonn Smith put up six points and grabbed a game high six rebounds.
The Reddies jumped out to an early lead, as Lucas Whisenhunt (5 pts) drained a three-pointer 2:11 into the game for a 6-1 lead. HPU responded with a 17-5 run capped by a Curtis jumper with 9:42 to play in the half. The lead would swell to 21 points before Schneider scored on a layup as time expired for a 38-15 halftime lead.
HPU maintained a 20 point cushion until some sloppy second half play allowed the Reddies back into the game. After a series of HPU turnovers and fast break points by HSU, the lead was cut to 49-33 on consecutive layups by Antoine Vinson (17 pts). HPU would regain their composure, as they built the lead back up to 24 points on a layup by Curtis off a Schneider steal.
Dontavis Jones (11 pts) and Jonathan Simms (12 pts) joined Vinson as the double figure scorers for the Reddies.
HPU returns to action at the Annual Malika Sports Hoop ‘N Surf Tournament. The Sea Warriors face off with Florida Southern on Monday, December 17 at 8:15 p.m., and the University of Tampa on Tuesday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m. Monday’s matchup will be broadcast on KWHE-TV 14 and simulcast on KUMU AM 1500.
Justonn Smith Receives All-Tournament Honors
Chico, California (10/26/07) – Junior guard Justonn Smith was selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Mac Martin Tournament. The tournament was held November 23-24 in Chico, California and hosted by Chico State University. Smith, a native of Redwood City, California, averaged just less than 18 points per game in the tournament to go along with six rebounds. He also shot 65% from the field for the two games.
In four games this season, Smith has averaged 17.3 points and eight rebounds per game.
The Sea Warriors completed a recent road trip which included a win at Golden State Baptist College (81-39) and losses at the Mac Martin Tournament to Sonoma State (58-70) and Chico State (64-75).
HPU returns to action Sunday, December 2 against Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, Arkansas). Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center. The game will be broadcast on KWHE-TV 14 and simulcast on KUMU AM 1500.
Sea Warriors Fall To Host Chico State
Chico, California (11/24/07) – In their second game of the Mac Martin Tournament, the HPU men’s basketball team fell to host Chico State, 75-64. The Sea Warriors could not overcome a 17-point halftime deficit in dropping to 2-2 on the season. The Wildcats improved to 2-2.
After an early 6-3 lead, HPU saw Chico State take off on a 15-1 run for an 18-7 lead. The Sea Warriors would settle down, and trailed 27-22 on the heels of a three-pointer by Rishi Kakad (8 pts). The Wildcats responded with another run and entered halftime with a 40-23 lead.
Matters worsened in the second half, as Chico State opened with a 9-2 run. Darroll Phillips capped the run for CSU with a three-pointer at the 17:25 mark, increasing the Wildcat advantage to 49-25. Phillips led all scorers with 32 points on 11-16 shooting.
Trailing by 24 points, HPU showed some early season resilience sure to please Coach Vorderbruegge. The Sea Warriors would scratch and claw their way back into the game, and trailed just 67-64 on a layup by Justonn Smith with 1:55 remaining. With HPU unable to score on their next two possessions, the game became a foul shooting contest with the Wildcats taking the 11 point win.
Justonn Smith and Ryan Walker highlighted the evening for HPU. Smith dropped 20 points on 5-8 shooting, and Walker finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Jason Curtis and Rod Harmon each posted nine points.
The Sea Warriors now enjoy a week off after playing three games in five days. They return to action against Henderson State University on Sunday, December 2. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center. The game will be televised on KHWE-TV 14 and simulcast on KUMU AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warriors Receive First Loss
Chico, California (11/23/07) – At the opening game of the Mac Martin Invitational, the HPU men’s basketball team fell to Sonoma State University, 70-58. The game was the season opener for the Wildcats who begin 1-0, with the Sea Warriors dropping their first game of the season to fall to 2-1.
The Sea Warriors faced their first test of the young season after consecutive routs of Golden State Baptist. HPU delivered a strong first half showing, shooting 42% from the field to the Wildcats’ 26%. The Sea Warriors took a solid 28-19 lead into halftime, but saw the wheels fall off in the second half.
HPU again shot 42% from the field (12-29), but saw Sonoma State erupt with 51 second half points on 14-20 shooting. The Wildcats also went 19-21 from the free throw line.
Three HPU players posted double figures. Jason Curtis (21 pts), Justonn Smith (15 pts), and Rishi Kakad (12 pts) all had solid nights in the loss. Smith also pulled down nine rebounds.
Andrew Kochevar (SSU) led all scorers with 23 points.
There will be no rest for the weary, as HPU takes on host Chico State University tomorrow, November 24th. Tipoff is set for 5:30 HST.
HPU Dominates Golden State Baptist Once Again
Santa Clara, California (11/20/07) The HPU men's basketball team defeated Golden State Baptist College, 81-39. The game was the back end of a home-and-home, with the Sea Warriors winning the first meeting December 16 at Neal Blaisdell Center. With the win, HPU extends their record to a perfect 2-0.
No box score available at this time.
HPU continues their roadtrip, traveling upstate to play in the Mac Martin Tournament hosted by Chico State University. The Sea Warriors first take on Sonoma State on Friday, November 23 at 5:30 p.m. PST.
Men’s Basketball Dominant In Season Opener
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (11/16/07) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the Sea Warrior men’s basketball team opened their season with a resounding victory over Golden State Baptist College, 77-47. HPU opens the season 1-0 with GSBC dropping to 0-2.
HPU started a bit sluggish before running away with the game. Trailing 8-7, Rod Harmon started a Sea Warrior run with a bucket at the 13:50 mark of the first half. After consective three-pointers by Rishi Kakad (11 pts, 3 assists) and a layup by newcomer Baba Coulibaly (4 pts, 3 assists, 7 R), HPU grabbed a 30-17 lead which they would take into the half.
The second half saw HPU jump out of the gates with a 9-2 run, extending the lead to 39-19 on another three-pointer by Kakad. The lead would swell to 60-32 on a layup and three-pointer by Jason McKinney. McKinney scored seven points and dished out a game high five assists off the bench in just seven minutes of action. HPU emptied their bench as they coasted to the 30-point victory.
Reserve guard Justonn Smith stole the show, dropping 20 points on 10-11 shooting, and grabbing 13 rebounds in just 25 minutes of action. Jason Curtis posted 13 points and Rod Harmon dropped 12 points to go along with nine boards.
Craig David led the Bears with 14 points.
The Sea Warriors next travel to Santa Clara, California to play the back end of a home and away with Golden State Baptist. Tip-off is set for Tuesday, November 20 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
Men’s Basketball Sign Two Junior College Transfers
6/14/07 (Honolulu, Hawai‘i) – The HPU men’s basketball team signed their seventh and eighth newcomers to the program, 6’4½ guard/forward Rod Harmon and 5’10 guard Jason McKinney.
Harmon joins the Sea Warriors after a stellar season at Santa Ana College in southern California. In his one season with the Dons, Harmon put up 9.6 points and grabbed 5.2 rebounds per game. “Rod is an all-around skilled player on a team that finished 25-9 and top ten in California,” praises Santa Ana head coach Dave Breig. “HPU will enjoy his leadership and passion that he brings to the team, not to mention that he led the team in taking charges.”
Harmon shot a solid 41% from beyond the arc, and nearly 80% from the free throw line. “Rod appears to be an outstanding fit for our program,” adds Coach Vorderbruegge. “He was an outstanding high school and junior college player in southern California, and a very focused student and athlete. It’s our hope that he can immediately contribute to the growth of our team.”
McKinney, originally from Inglewood, California, comes to HPU from Los Angeles Southwest College. “Jason is constantly described as a tough competitor,” comments Coach Vorderbruegge. “He brings some maturity and experience to our program. We look for him to provide a spark to our play because of his quickness.”
Men’s Basketball Sign Recruits Radojevic and Smith
6/9/07 (Honolulu, Hawai‘i) – HPU men’s basketball signed their fifth and sixth prospects of the off-season, 6’10 forward/center Miodrag (Misha) Radojevic and 6’2 guard Justonn Smith.
Radojevic, a native of Belgrade, Serbia joins the Sea Warriors as a transfer from the University of Utah. Radojevic played for the Utes under Ray Giacoletti, who is now the assistant men’s coach at Gonzaga University. “Misha is a great guy, a great teammate, and a hard worker,” praises Giacoletti. “He will be a great addition to Hawai’i Pacific University basketball."
Coach Vorderbruegge comments on the signing of Radojevic. “Misha gives us an inside presence that is essential. He has valuable experience transferring from a high-major university. We anticipate he will make an immediate impact here at HPU.”
Smith transfers to HPU after two seasons at San Jose State University. He played his high school ball for Woodside High School (San Francisco, California), averaging 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals per game for his career. He was a four-time All-Peninsula Athletic League selection and played in the 2005 Slam ‘N Jam All-Star game in Albany, California.
“I've seen Justonn mature as a person and a player over the four years that he played for me on varsity,” praises Darrell Barbour, Woodside High School head coach. “He's versatile, very athletic, and able to lock down defenders…strong on both ends of the court, great attitude, and will make plays. He's a gym rat who loves to play the game; he always wants to improve and get better.”
“Justonn is an outstanding athlete,” adds Coach Vorderbruegge. “He brings a level of quickness and explosiveness that is important to successful basketball. Maybe his greatest attribute is he has always been a hungry competitor and that’s what we are looking for.”
Men’s Basketball Sign Recruits Baba Coulibaly and Dennis Toliver
5/29/2007 (Honolulu, Hawai‘i) – The Hawai`i Pacific University men’s basketball team has signed two more recruits. Hamidou (Baba) Coulibaly and Dennis Toliver will enroll at HPU this fall and join the 2007-2008 Sea Warrior team.
Coulibaly comes to the Sea Warriors from Ohlone College in Freemont, California, where he averaged four points, three rebounds, and one block in his only season. “Baba should make an immediate impact because of his strength, toughness, and ability to rotate and rebound,” comments Ohlone head coach John Peterson. “Hawai`i Pacific got a great young man who will be a great ambassador for the school and basketball program.”
Coach Vorderbruegge holds lofty expectations for Coulibaly. “We are highly anticipating Baba’s contributions to our program,” verbalizes Vorderbruegge. “He is a tremendous physical presence that is considered extremely coachable.”
HPU also brings in Dennis Toliver from Cesar Chavez High School (Laveen, Arizona). “Dennis has done a tremendous job for us the past two years,” praises Cesar Chavez head coach Gary Lee. “Dennis is a great teammate, fierce competitor, and will develop into a solid college player in the next few years.”
Coach Vorderbruegge echoes Lee’s sentiments. “Dennis is a young man that we are fortunate to be involved with. He has played on a successful high school team at the highest level in Phoenix, and has demonstrated the athletic and academic skills to contribute at our level.”
May 22, 2007
HPU Men’s Basketball Signs Two Recruits
5/22/2007 (Honolulu, Hawai‘i) – The Hawai`i Pacific University men’s basketball team has been in full swing, signing Jason Curtis and Adrian den Dulk for the 2007-2008 season.
Jason Curtis is a transfer from Chabot College out of Hayward, California. He averaged 13 points per game, while dishing out 3.5 assists and grabbing three rebounds in his two seasons for the Gladiators. He earned all-conference honors this past season.
“Jason has done an excellent job the last two years here at Chabot,” comments Chabot head coach Dennis Aye. “The (HPU) coaching staff and the university will be pleased with his character and basketball abilities.” “We feel fortunate to have Jason as a member of our squad,” adds HPU head coach Darren Vorderbruegge. “He has demonstrated the ability to be successful on and off the court.”
Adrian den Dulk comes from Ripon Christian High School (Ripon, California), where he averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds for his career. “Adrian’s attitude on and off the court sets the tone for the rest of our team,” praises Ripon head coach Paul Anema. “He has a strong character, is a self driven team leader, and a player icon.” Coach Vorderbruegge sees unlimited potential in Adrian. “His best basketball is yet to come. As he gains valuable experience he will develop into a premier player at this level.”
March 14, 2007
Rishi Kakad Receives All-Conference Honors
Gold Canyon, Arizona – Rishi Kakad (Phoenix, Arizona) was selected to the All-Pac West Honorable Mention Team, announced today by the conference office. Kakad and BYU-Hawai‘i standout Lucas Alverez were the only freshman to receive First Team, Second Team, or Honorable Mention honors.
Kakad started 15 games at the guard position this season for the Sea Warriors, logging 715 total minutes, tops on the team in that category. He also finished second on the team in scoring with 9.3 points per game, and pulled down 51 rebounds for the season. Kakad scored 10 or more points on 10 different occasions, including a season high 27 points versus BYU-Hawai‘i on January 17.
Kakad will rejoin the Sea Warriors next season as a sophomore, hoping to improve on a season that saw HPU finish with a 10-17 record and a fourth place finish in the Pac West.
March 2, 2007
Sea Warriors Overpowered By BYUH
Laie, Hawai‘i – In the final game of the season, the Sea Warriors were unable to keep pace with the Seasiders, falling 71-52. Before a raucous crowd at the Canon Activities Center, BYUH (20-7, 12-3) scored from both long distance and in the paint, proving too much to handle for HPU (10-17, 4-11).
The Seasiders jumped out to an early lead following an alleyoop dunk by Danny Jackson (7 points, 6 rebounds), increasing the lead to 10-3 5:21 into the game. When it looked like the game might get out of hand, HPU weathered the storm and continued to battle, cutting the lead to 12-9 on a three-pointer by Mickey Wheeler (10 points).
BYUH would again go on a run, building a 30-17 lead on a three-pointer by Okesene Ale. Again the Sea Warriors rallied, cutting the lead to 35-29 on a three-pointer by senior Adam Snyder (7 points, 3 rebounds). BYUH, however, would score the last six points of the half, entering the intermission leading 41-29.
The early moments of the second half featured a close battle, as HPU cut the lead to 44-39 on the heels of a three-point basket by Logan Wolf (7 points, 5 rebounds) with 17:02 remaining. The Seasiders then built the lead back up to double-digits, putting away the Sea Warriors in the process. HPU shot just 23.7% from the field for the game, but edged BYUH from the free throw line, 63% to 54.5%. Every Sea Warrior recorded points and rebounds.
February 22, 2007
HPU Falls To Chaminade In Home Finale
After a thrilling victory one night earlier, HPU came up short to Chaminade on the second of back-to-back games, 93-68. The game was played on the campus of Mid Pacific Institute, and was the last regular season home game for the Sea Warriors. With the loss, HPU falls to 10-16 overall, 4-10 in the PacWest. With the win, the Silverswords improve to 15-11 overall, 7-7 in conference.
Chaminade seized control of the game right from the tip-off, as they streaked to a 15-3 advantage just minutes into the game. Zack Whiting had six points and one assist in the early run. Whiting led all scorers with 24 points. The lead would swell to 22 points but the Sea Warriors battled back. Despite posting a better shooting percentage than the Swords at 44%, HPU entered the half down 47-30.
The second half saw a continued dominance by Chaminade, as a jumper by Hayden Heiber 2:26 into the half increased the score to 59-34. The Swords maintained the advantage for the remainder of the game, cruising to the victory. Three Sea Warriors finished the game with double figures in points. Rishi Kakad and Adam Snyder recorded team highs with 19 points a piece, and Ryan Walker dropped 11 points of his own.
Seniors Patrick Towne, Jarrod Davis, Brandon Lee, Adam Reinking, and Adam Snyder were honored after the game for their contributions to Sea Warrior basketball. HPU finishes the season at BYU-Hawai‘i on Friday, March 2. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Canon Activities Center in Laie, Hawai‘i, and will be telecast live on OC-16.
February 21, 2007
HPU Knocks Off Chaminade In Overtime Thriller
Waiting a week to play after loss is tough, but the Sea Warriors made the most of their time off. In front of a raucus crowd on the campus of Mid Pacific Institute, HPU upset Chaminade in overtime, 90-85. The Sea Warriors were looking to atone for an earlier loss to the Silverswords, and did so in a big way. HPU improves to 10-16 overall and 5-9 in conference, and Chaminade drops to 14-12, 6-8 in the PacWest.
The Sea Warriors jumped all over the Swords early, scoring the game's first eight points. The lead increased to 27-13 on a jumper by Rishi Kakad with 9:51 left in the first half. Kakad would finish the game with 22 points to lead all HPU scorers. Chaminade would eventually find their form, and on the heels of a 9-2 run capped by Ryan Hirata's three-pointer, they would enter halftime only down 38-32.
The second half saw the Swords take their first lead of the game, 47-40, on Zach Whiting's three-pointer. Whiting would lead all scorers with 28 points. HPU would respond and, following a steal and two made free throws by Adam Reinking, the Sea Warriors pulled to 65-62 with 7:25 remaining. Reinking would finish with 19 points and seven rebounds. The remainder of regulation saw three ties and Chaminade lead by no more than three points.
The overtime session belonged to the Sea Warriors. They scored the first seven points, jumping out to an 80-73 lead only 1:36 into the period. The Swords would try to play catch up but to no avail, as Kakad sealed the victory with two made free throws with only one second remaining.
The win was a total team effort, as five Sea Warriors recorded double figues in points. Mickey Wheeler dropped 15 points and grabbed four rebounds. Ryan Walker also performed well, scoring 12 points and snagging seven rebounds in 33 minutes.
HPU won't be able to enjoy the win for long, as they retake the floor with Chaminade on Wednesday for their final meeting of the season. Tip off is set for 7:00 p.m. again at Mid Pacific Institute.
February 12, 2007
Sea Warriors Finish Road Trip With Loss to Chapman
Winning on the road is never easy, as HPU dropped a nail biter to Chapman University, 69-67. A crowd of 370 at Hutton Sports Center saw Chapman improve to 17-5 on the season and HPU drop to 9-15. The Sea Warriors finished their West Coast trip at 1-3.
The game seesawed back and forth with 10 lead changes in the second half, and no more than a seven point lead for either team. The Panthers took the lead for good on basket by Jared Kaiser with 34 seconds remaining and held on in the closing moments. The Sea Warriors lost despite a solid shooting performance. They finished the night shooting 52% from the field, 67% from three-point range. Rishi Kakad, along with dishing out five assists, scored all of his team-best 15 points in the second half. Ryan Walker also turned in a quality performance, shooting 3-5 from beyond the arc for 13 points. Josh Flynn-Brown (CU) led all scorers with 22 points.
The Sea Warriors hit the hardwood again Wednesday February 21st against conference powerhouse and local rival Chaminade University. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Mid Pacific Institute.
February 10, 2007
Sea Warriors Fall to Grand Canyon
At Antelope Gymnasium, HPU could not overcome a poor shooting performance, as they were outdone by the Grand Canyon University, 61-47. The Sea Warriors (9-14) shot 22% from the field, 13% from behind the arc. Adam Reinking led HPU with 10 points, and Devone Greene led all scorers with 22 points.
Despite the poor shooting, HPU remained close in the first half. On a made free throw by Logan Wolf, the Sea Warriors cut the score to 13-9 with 8:21 remaining. GCU (14-7) would do most of the scoring the rest of the half though, as they launched a 12-3 run to enter halftime with the lead at 25-12.
The second half saw a much improved performance by the Sea Warriors, as they nearly tripled their offensive output of the first half. With 11:26 remaining in the game, HPU appeared ready to make a game of it, as Ryan Walker sank two free throws to cut the lead to 35-28. The ‘Lopes would response once again, as they bolstered the lead to 15 with 6:15 remaining and cruised to the victory. Wolf and Rishi Kakad also performed well for the Sea Warriors, each scoring eight points in the losing effort.
HPU returns to action tomorrow, as they face off with Chapman University in the final game of their road trip. Tip off is set for 4:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
February 3, 2007
Walker Lifts HPU over UH-Hilo
Ryan Walker saved his best for last. After missing a game-tying three-pointer in the closing seconds, the junior from Fountain, Colorado redeemed himself, connecting on a three-pointer from just inside the midcourt line, giving HPU a 65-64 win over UH-Hilo at Kaiser High School. The win ended HPU's five game skid, as they improved to 8-12 overall, and 2-7 in PacWest play. The Vulcans fell to 8-14, and 5-5 in the conference.
HPU nearly squandered a 15-point first half lead, as Hilo tied the game at 48-48, six minutes into the second period. The game was a see-saw affair the rest of the way, with the teams exchanging baskets and free throws until the final seconds.
After Rashad Bilal gave Hilo a 63-60 lead with 16 seconds remaining, HPU's Mickey Wheeler raced down the floor for an easy layup with nine seconds left. After a fould on the ensuing possession, the Vulcan's Daryl Harris missed the second of two free throws to set up Walker's heroics. After securing the rebound, Walker drove down court and nearly lost the ball as he took the off-balance shot after crossing the half court line. He finished with 13 points, connecting on 3-7 from behind the arc.
Rishi Kakad led the Sea Warriors with 16 points, including 4-9 from long distance, as HPU shot 46 percent from three-point range for the game. Wheeler and Adam Reinking also posted double figures for HPU with 12 points apiece. Vince Alvarado and Bilal led Hilo with 16 points each, while Harris finsihed with 12.
The Sea Warriors will travel to the mainland next week for conference games against Notre Dame de Namur and Grand Canyon University. They will also play a non-conference game against Chapman University before returning home for a matchup with Chaminade on February 21st. Tip-off against the Silverswords is set for 7:00 p.m. at Mid-Pacific Institute.
February 1, 2007
Silverswords Dial Long Distance To Down HPU
The HPU men's basketball team struggled to find their offensive rythym, falling to host Chaminade University, 86-56 at McCabe Gymnasium in Honolulu. Zack Whiting led the Silverswords (13-7, 5-3) with 20 points, falling one assist shy of a triple-double, also recording 10 rebounds and nine assists. Logan Wolf paced the Sea Warriors (7-12, 1-7) with 11 points off the bench, while Adam Reinking also finished in double figures with 10.
HPU managed just 31 percent shooting from the field, including 20 percent from the three-point line. Chaminade on the other hand, shot 54 percent, connecting on nearly half of their shots from behind the arc, as they started the game on a 24-2 run. Despite their slow start, HPU fought back, but nine first half three-pointers by the Swords proved to be the difference, as the Sea Warriors trailed 42-27 at intermission.
In the second half, Chaminade stayed hot from long range, and defensively limited HPU to just 26 percent shooting to seal the win. The Swords finished 15-31 from behind the arc, compared to just 3-15 for HPU. The Sea Warriors look to bounce back in a conference matchup with UH-Hilo on Saturday, February 3rd. Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m. at Kaiser High School.
January 26, 2007
Seasiders Edge Sea Warriors
HPU's Mickey Wheeler and Kamron Alborz scored 18 and 17 points respectively, but it wasn't enough as the Sea Warriors fell to BYU-Hawai'i, 74-70 at King Intermediate School. Paul Peterson led the Seasiders with a game-high 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Eric Boyce finished with 12 on 4-7 shooting from three-point range.
A tight contest from the opening tip, the Sea Warriors were a little better in the first half, connecting on 39 percent from the field, and holding the Seasiders to 36 percent. Alborz and Wheeler each scored 10 points in the period, as they combined to shoot 4-5 from behind the arc to give HPU a 34-32 advantage at the break.
In the second half, the game continued to see-saw, with neither team taking more than a four-point lead. Tied at 48-48 midway through the second half for the 10th time in the game, BYUH would go on a 19-9 run to open up a 10 point advantage with just over four minutes remaining.
HPU fought back however, and a three-pointer by Wheeler cut the lead to just two points (72-70) with 15 seconds left to play. BYUH's Trenson Akana was fouled on the ensuing possession, and the freshman calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to four points. HPU had one last chance, but Adam Snyder misfired on a three-point attempt with five seconds on the clock, sealing the game for the Seasiders.
HPU will return to action on Thursday, February 1st in a PacWest showdown against Chaminade Universtiy at McCabe Gymnasium. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. and can be seen live on OC-16 T.V.
January 17, 2007
Sea Warriors Fall To Seasiders
Rishi Kakad scored a career-high 27 points, but it wasnt enough to overcome a strong second half from BYU-Hawai'i's Eric Boyce, as the Seasiders defeated the Sea Warriors, 74-63, at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. Boyce connected on 7-8 shots from behind the arc, scoring all 27 of his points after halftime, and was helped out by teammate Lucas Alves's 18 point, 10 rebound performance to lead the Seasiders to the win.
Both teams started slow in the first half, with the Sea Warriors (7-10, 1-5) shooting 35 percent, and the Seasiders 13-5, 5-1) not much better at 37 percent. Kakad led the way with nine points at intermission for HPU, while Alves paced BYUH with eight points.
In the second half, Boyce was on fire, hitting three-pointers from all over the court, with his only miss coming on a desperation heave with the shot clock about to expire. Kakad kept HPU in the game with an array of jumpshots and floaters over the taller Seasiders, but BYUH's 64 percent shooting after intermission was too much to overcome.
HPU will look to bounce back in a rematch with the Seasiders next Friday, January 26th at King Intermediate School. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
January 13, 2007
UH-Hilo Outlasts HPU
Hilo's Travis Sobers scored a game-high 29 points on 10-12 shooting from the field, leading UH-Hilo to a 80-74 win over HPU in Hilo, Hawai'i. Sobers made all five of his three-point attempts, and also finished 4-5 from the free throw line. Rishi Kakad led HPU with 16 points, while Adam Snyder added 14.
The Sea Warriors (7-9, 1-4) struggled defensively for the second consecutive night, allowing the Vulcans (6-10, 3-1) to shoot 58 percent in the first half. HPU came into the two-game series with Hilo atop the PacWest in scoring defense, allowing just 66 points per game, and second in field goal percentage defense at 41 percent.
Offensively, HPU stayed within striking distance, trailing by just three points at halftime, but each time they got close, the Vulcans, who never trailed, would answer with a score of their own, as the game was tied only once at 55-55 with 13:33 left in the second half.
HPU still had a chance, trailing by two points with just under three minutes remaining, but they went cold from the floor, misfiring on their final six shot attempts. Hilo's Sam Wilhoite would score the game's last five points to secure the win for the Vulcans.
The Sea Warriors will look to bounce back next Wednesday, January 17th, when they host conference rival BYU-Hawai'i at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
January 11, 2007
HPU Falls In Hilo
Kamron Alborz and Patrick Towne scored 15 points apiece, but the Sea Warriors shot just 38 percent from the field, falling to host UH-Hilo, 84-66, in Hilo, Hawai'i. Brandon Lee also finished in double figures with 11 points for HPU (7-8, 1-3), while Vince Alvarado led four Vulcans (5-10, 2-1) in double digits with a game-high 22 points.
HPU looked to secure their second conference win of the year, but the Vulcans had other plans, as they came out firing from the tip to take the early lead. Hilo shot 65 percent from the field in the first half, including 58 percent from three-point range, en route to a 42-25 lead at halftime.
The Sea Warriors clawed their way back after intermission, but the Vulcans stayed relatively hot, connecting on 56 percent of their shots in the period, finishing at a staggering 60 percent for the game. HPU outrebounded the Vulcans 36-33, and finished with six less turnovers (16-10), but Hilo connected on twice as many three-pointers to answer every HPU run in the game.
HPU looks to bounce back on Saturday when they wrap up their two-game trip against the Vulcans. Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m.
