San Francisco, CA (January 27, 2011) – For the second time in three games, the Hawaii Pacific women's basketball team needed overtime, and both times they prevailed. In this heart-stopper, HPU used a layup by Senior Courtney Buster to take the lead in overtime, and eventually a 67-65 win over Academy of Art. A day after being ranked 10th in the first regional poll, the Sea Warriors are now 13-3 and 7-0 in conference play.

While HPU did not have its best offensive game, the Sea Warriors forced 27 turnovers and won the rebounding battle, extending the win streak to 12 games. In a homecoming, the San Francisco native Buster had nine points and 12 rebounds, now tallying at least 10 rebounds in six of the last seven games. Junior Mana Hopkins led the team with 17 points, most coming in the first half. Fellow junior Paris Gravely had 16 points in a strong second half showing.

With senior Jazzmin Awa-Williams picking up two fouls by the 17:12 mark of the first half, Nicole Fenumiai played 26 minutes scoring nine points.

Ashley Lucian led AAU with 18 points; AAU now stands at 5-12, 3-5.

The game was close throughout, featuring eight ties, and neither team ever led by more than seven. However, things looked bleak for the Sea Warriors as they we down seven with 6:50 to play. Then, Gravely answered with five points in two minutes to bring the deficit to two. Next, Gravely finished the comeback with two foul shots, after an offensive rebound, to tie the game at 57 with: 50 to play. A steal by Awa-Williams held the Urban Knights at bay as the teams headed for bonus basketball.

AAU struck first in OT, but Gravely answered again to tie the game. A steal and a layup by junior Taiyande Huskey put the Sea Warriors up 64-59 with 2:16 to play, and the defense held on for the win.

HPU squares off against Dominican University this Saturday, January 29th in San Rafael, CA. Start time is slated for 5:30pm PST.