C.J. Jackson Named PacWest Newcomer Of The Year
Phoenix (3/16/10) – HPU’s C.J. Jackson was named the Newcomer of the Year for the 2009-10 PacWest All-Conference Men’s Basketball Team, announced by the PacWest Media Office. Mike Helton also received First-Team honors, with Ray Murdock landing a spot on the Second-Team.
As the Newcomer of the Year and First-Team honoree, Jackson (Sr., Buena Vista, GA) quickly established himself as one of the premier players in the league. At 15.8 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, the transfer from the University of Illinois was the lone player in the PacWest to average a double-double for the season. He led the league in rebounds and finished sixth in scoring, while his 62.2% (176 for 283) shooting from the field landed him second overall in the PacWest. Jackson also led the conference in blocks per game (2.6).
Helton (Sr., El Paso, TX) averaged 19.1 points per game, ranking him second in the conference in scoring. He also averaged 4.9 rebounds per game, shot 72.2% (83 for 115), and averaged 1.7 three-pointers made per game, ranking in the Top 10 in the PacWest.
Murdock (Sr., Phoenix) led the PacWest in assists per game (5.1), and ranked seventh in both scoring and rebounding after averaging 15.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He shot 49.0% from the field and ranked sixth in foul shooting (77.4%). He also ranked 11th in steals per game (1.4) and sixth in assist/turnover ratio (1.5).
The 2009-10 Sea Warrior team rejuvenated men’s basketball at Hawai‘i Pacific University. In Head Tony Sellitto’s final season, he guided HPU to 19 wins, the most in 10 seasons. The Sea Warriors finished third in the PacWest at 11-5.
HPU Falls To Grand Canyon In Overtime Thriller
Phoenix (3/4/10) – On the campus of Grand Canyon University, the HPU men’s basketball team dropped a double-overtime thriller to the Antelopes. HPU slips to third in the PacWest at 11-3 and 19-6 overall, while GCU improves to 9-6 in conference and 15-16 overall.
Mike Helton dropped a game-high 30 points for HPU on 12-20 shooting, and C.J. Jackson added 12 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out in regulation. Jackson, Ray Murdock (7 pts, 5 reb), and Cliff Hodge (8 pts) all fouled out.
Brad Carroll and T.J. Benson led the ‘Lopes with 20 points each.
The game was close throughout, but with just under four minutes to play in regulation Benson hit a three pointer to give GCU a 71-65 lead. Norman Wells (16 pts) answered with a three ball of his own to help the Sea Warriors send the game into overtime.
Both teams traded baskets in the first overtime, but Grand Canyon separated itself in the second overtime outscoring HPU 14-5.
Reggie New added 12 points for the Sea Warriors.
HPU next plays Dixie State College on Saturday, March 6. Tipoff is set at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
HPU Basketball Versus BYU-Hawaii Officially Rescheduled
Honolulu (3/2/10) – The HPU versus BYU-Hawaii men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader, previously postponed due to the tsunami warning, has been rescheduled for Monday, March 8. Both games will be played at the Neal Blaisdell Center with the women’s game scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. Both contests will be broadcasted live on KWHE-TV 14.
HPU and BYUH were scheduled to play their PacWest doubleheader this past Saturday, February 27. Due to a tsunami generated in the Pacific Ocean during the early morning hours, the coaches and athletics directors of both schools, in conjunction with PacWest Commissioner Bob Hogue, decided to postpone the doubleheader.
Both the HPU men’s and women’s teams left today for the mainland to play their final two PacWest road games. They face off with Grand Canyon on Thursday, March 4, in Phoenix, then travel to St. George, Utah to play Dixie State College on Saturday, March 6.
With three games remaining in the season, both HPU teams are vying for their conference titles. On the women’s side, HPU currently holds the top spot and will win the PacWest with three wins in its final three games. On the men’s side, HPU, along with BYUH and Dixie State, each have two losses and are presently tied for first place. The winner of the PacWest automatically receives a berth the NCAA Tournament.
The final playing date allowable by the NCAA is Saturday, March 6, but the NCAA granted the PacWest an extension to complete its men’s and women’s basketball seasons following the tsunami warning. The NCAA tournament selections will be announced Sunday evening following the completion of all Division II contests, but has allowed the West Region to postpone its selections until the completion of the HPU vs BYUH games.
Following the conclusion of the women’s game versus BYUH on Monday, HPU Men’s Basketball Coach Tony Sellitto will be honored by the HPU Student Life Department for his achievements and service to Hawai‘i Pacific University.
Sea Warriors Top Silverswords, Remain In Title Hunt
Honolulu (2/25/10) – At McCabe Gymnasium on the Chaminade University campus, the HPU men’s basketball team defeated Chaminade, 74-70. The Sea Warriors improve to 19-5 overall and remain tied for first place in the PacWest at 11-2. The Swords fall to 4-8 in conference and 7-14 overall.
With forward Norman Wells just returning from injury, and C.J. Jackson plagued by foul trouble, Cliff Hodge poured in 16 points and seven rebounds, and added a steal in the game’s waning seconds to seal the win for HPU.
Dominique Cooks paced Chaminade in the losing effort, recording 19 points on 4-8 shooting.
The Sea Warriors took a 41-36 lead into the break, but Chaminade responded early in the second half to tie the game at 47-47. With 7:15 remaining, a jumper by Chandler Pearson (16 pts, 8 reb) gave the Swords a 62-60 lead, their first since five minutes remaining in the first half.
Chaminade held the lead until Jeff Ingram was fouled with 55 seconds left on a three-point attempt, and subsequently made all three foul shots to give HPU a 71-70 lead. A critical rebound by Hodge followed by his steal on Chaminade’s final possession keyed HPU’s win.
Ray Murdock posted 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Mike Helton added 16 points. Norman Wells recorded six points, five assists, two blocks, and two steals before fouling out.
HPU plays its regular season home finale this Saturday, February 27, versus BYU-Hawaii. Start time at Mid Pacific Institute is set at 7:30 p.m.
HPU Men’s Basketball Falls To Red Storm
Honolulu (2/20/10) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU men’s team fell to the Red Storm, 97-86, in a game that billed the top two teams in the conference. Following the conclusion of the women’s game, HPU Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tony Sellitto was given the Fellow of the Pacific Award, HPU’s highest honor. President Wright was on hand to present the award to Coach Sellitto.
Ray Murdock paced the Sea Warriors, who drop to 19-4 overall. Murdock recorded 24 points on 10-16 shooting, also adding six assists and six rebounds.
Tom Whitehead scored a game-high 29 points for Dixie State, who moves into a three-way tie with BYU-Hawaii and HPU.
Jeff Ingram and Reggie New each posted 14 points for HPU, and Mike Helton added 13 points and five rebounds. C.J. Jackson scored seven points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Both the men’s and women’s teams retake the floor this Thursday, February 25, versus Chaminade. The women’s game tips off at 5:30 p.m. with the men’s game following at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be played at Chaminade.
Sea Warriors Top Grand Canyon
Honolulu (2/14/10) – At Mid Pacific Institute, the HPU men’s basketball team defeated Grand Canyon University, 72-71. HPU improves to 18-4 overall and 10-1 in the PacWest, while GCU falls to 10-14 overall and 4-5 in conference.
Ray Murdock posted a game-high 23 points, also adding 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. With the win, HPU remains tied with Dixie State for the conference lead.
C.J. Jackson recorded eight points and 10 rebounds to go along with five blocks, and Jeff Ingram added 16 points. Brad Carroll led the Antelopes with 16 points on 6-11 from the floor.
HPU led by as many as 14 points in the first half before taking a 44-33 lead into the break. GCU responded in the second half and took its first lead of the game at 54-53 with 10:56 to play. The Lopes extended the lead to six points before a 17-6 HPU run gave the Sea Warriors a 72-67 lead with 2:07 remaining in the game.
Cliff Hodge, starting for an injured Norman Wells, posted eight points and four rebounds, and Mike Helton added 10 points.
HPU returns to action Saturday, February 20, versus Dixie State. Start time at the Neal Blaisdell Center is set for 3:00 p.m.
Sea Warriors Outlast Dominican University
Honolulu (2/10/10) – On the campus of Maryknoll School, the HPU men’s basketball team earned a hard-fought 89-84 overtime win over Dominican University. The Sea Warriors improve to 17-4 overall and 9-1 in the PacWest, while the Penguins drop to 7-13 overall and 4-5 in conference.
Riddled with foul trouble, the Sea Warriors relied on C.J. Jackson and their bench. Jackson posted a season-high 37 points to go along with 13 rebounds and four blocks. Reserve forward Kameron Steinhoff recorded 13 points on 4-7 shooting, also adding six rebounds and one steal.
Bryan Austin led Dominican with 25 points.
HPU seemed to have the win wrapped up in regulation, as Reggie New (11 pts) hit a three pointer to give the Sea Warriors a 76-71 lead with 1:22 to play. But a turnover by Mike Helton led to a three-point play by Mark Lewis, and the game was sent to overtime on an Austin three-pointer.
Jackson turned back the Penguins in overtime, scoring eight points and grabbing three rebounds in the period to help secure the win.
Ray Murdock added 11 points and seven assists before fouling out with 10:08 to play in the game.
HPU retakes the court this Sunday, February 14, versus Grand Canyon. Tip off at Mid Pacific Institute is set for 7:30 p.m.
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.
Darren Vorderbruegge Named Head Coach of HPU Men’s Basketball
Hawai‘i Pacific University Athletics Director Darren Vorderbruegge has been named the Head Coach of the Hawai‘i Pacific University Men’s Basketball program. The announcement was made by HPU President Chatt Wright today, and the appointment will be effective at the conclusion of the current basketball season.
Vorderbruegge, known to his colleagues and players as “Coach V,” replaces Tony Sellitto who led the HPU Men’s Basketball from 1988 to 2002, and from 2008 to the present. Commenting on his appointment, Coach V stated, “It is with great enthusiasm and appreciation that I accept this position. Sea Warrior Basketball is on the rise and I am grateful to President Wright for the opportunity to lead our tradition-rich program.”
The appointment marks the return of Vorderbruegge to the collegiate coaching ranks. In 2006, he was hired as HPU’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach, but was promoted to his current position as HPU’s Athletics Director in 2007 and relinquished coaching duties to Sellitto. Vorderbruegge will remain as HPU’s Athletics Director. “The transition to Hawai‘i has been tremendously positive. My previous service as the head coach at HPU, along with my recent experience in administration, has prepared me to lead this basketball program,” said Vorderbruegge. “Everyone at HPU is grateful to Coach Sellitto for helping turn the tide of men’s basketball at HPU these past few years for setting the foundation for HPU’s return to prominence on the local and national basketball scene.”
HPU President Chatt Wright said, “Coach V has done a wonderful job as HPU’s Athletic Director, and is an invaluable member of the University’s leadership team. He has the background, experience and coaching skills to lead the Sea Warriors back to national prominence.”
Vorderbruegge has 23 years of high school and college coaching experience. His collegiate basketball coaching record as an assistant and head coach is 164-91. Prior to HPU, Coach V spent six seasons coaching at the Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. As the Associate Head Coach he was instrumental in the national success achieved by the Northwest Bearcats who, during his tenure, advanced to the NCAA DII Elite Eight twice and reached the Sweet Sixteen twice.
Before joining Northwest Missouri State, Vorderbruegge spent 13 years honing his skills at the high school level. He served as an assistant coach at West Elk (Kan.) High School from 1987-89 before being named the head coach at Hoisington (Kan.) High School from 1989-93. Coach V then spent three years as an assistant coach at Wichita Northwest High School before taking over as head coach in 1996. His 1998-99 squad tied for fifth in the state's largest classification. In 1999-2000 he guided the Grizzlies to their first conference championship in school history, a fourth place finish in the Kansas 6A State Championships, and was named the Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach of the Year.
Vorderbruegge has announced that his staff will include into two highly qualified coaches with strong local ties. Current assistant coach Darrell Matsui will remain in that position. Matsui, a longtime assistant for and protégé of Sellitto, is well-known in local and mainland coaching circles and will provide continuity to the program.
Commenting on Matsui’s appointment, the retiring Sellitto said, “One of the many things I’ll miss about coaching is working with Darrell. His knowledge and dedication to the game is tremendous, and his influence has been a big part of my success. I’ve been very lucky to have had him as my assistant coach.” Overall, Matsui has been a member of the HPU coaching staff for 18 years.
Also, Sky Wilson, former HPU graduate assistant coach, will serve the program. Sky was the 2001 Hawai‘i Gatorade Player of the Year on a State Championship team at Kaleheo High School where he played for his uncle and another local basketball legend, the late Pete Smith. Sky went on to be an all-conference player at Scottsdale Community College, where he was recruited by Coach Vorderbruegge to play at Northwest Missouri State. While at Northwest, Sky was a leader on a team that reached the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.
When asked about his staff Coach V stated “I am fortunate to have the chance to work with Darrell and Sky. Together, I am confident that we combine the enthusiasm and experience to continue the tradition of Sea Warrior basketball excellence.”
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.
