Honolulu, HI (February 28, 2011) – In a must-win situation, the Sea Warriors responded with a 53-50 victory over twelfth-ranked Dixie State. The win keeps Hawai'i Pacific in the hunt for an at-large bid to the NCAA West Regional. Senior Jazzmin Awa-Williams led HPU with 12 points on senior night.

HPU led most of the second half; until Dixie St. took a 50-49 lead with 1:34 to play. Two clutch free throws by Skye Savini gave HPU a one point lead. On the ensuing Dixie St. possession, Taiyande Huskey stole the ball, was fouled, and iced the game with two foul shots.

Dixie State took the early lead, but a 10-0 run over a two minute span put HPU in control. The Sea Warriors took the lead on an Awa-Williams layup with 13:04 left in the half. The lead grew to 10 by the half.

Courtney Buster just missed another double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. Savini had 10 points off the bench. Paris Gravely played a complete game with eight points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

The HPU defense limited Dixie St. to just 2-15 from three-point range, and forced 22 turnovers. HPU is now 18-6 overall and 12-3 in league play.

Breann Hill led Dixie St. with 22 points, the Red Storm are now 22-3, 12-2.

HPU faces Grand Canyon on Saturday at McCabe Gym at noon. It is the final regular season game of the year.