Box Score Honolulu, HI (January 16, 2011) – It took an extra five minutes of play to determine a winner at the Blaisdell Center on Monday. Unfortunately for Sea Warrior fans, Academy of Art upset HPU 81-78. HPU is now 9-6 overall and 3-2 in PacWest play.

The first half started off competitively, but Art U soon took control. Late in the half, Art U threatened to run away with a 40-22 lead with 2:36 to play. However, A 7-0 run by HPU to close the half made it a 40-29 count at the half. Art U kept HPU at arm's length until a three-pointer by Melody Ladrido made it a four point game at 59-55 with 5:34 to play. HPU never regained the lead in regulation and didn't tie it until another big three by Ladrido with nine seconds left sending the game to OT. HPU briefly took a 76-74 lead with 3:08 left in overtime, but then Mana Hopkins fouled out and Ladrido got hurt leaving HPU with few answers on the offensive end.

Hopkins and Ladrido both played big roles for the Sea Warriors. Hopkins scored 28 points; it was the third time this season she has scored at least 28 points. Ladrido added 18 points off the bench when starting shooting guard Paris Gravely was saddled with foul trouble. Taiyande Huskey played another solid all-around game with eight points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Gravely added eight points before fouling out in 25 minutes of play.

HPU's undoing came at the foul line, HPU made only six of 22 attempts (27%). Conversely, Art U made 24-35 (67%). The Sea Warriors outshot the Urban Knights from the floor 31-75 (41%) to 26-35 (39%). The much bigger Knights won the battle on the glass 57-43, but HPU turned the ball over nine less times (16-25).

HPU now embarks on a road trip to the West Coast and the Southwest, the first game is against California Baptist on January 19th at 5:30 PM PST.