Laie, HI (November 16, 2012) – Despite 15 points from Malte Ziegenhagen the Hawai'i Pacific men's basketball team (0-1) dropped the first game of the GNAC/PacWest Challenge, a 73-53 decision to eighth-ranked Seattle Pacific (3-0).

The Sea Warriors came out hot to start the game and led most of the first half. A little over three minutes into the game, HPU took an 11-3 lead on a jumper by Jeffery Neal. With 10:29 left in the first half HPU moved the lead back to seven on a three-point hit by Ziegenhagen. SPU then caught fire from long range, hitting three consecutive threes, to grab the 22-20 lead with 8:01 left in the half. It would prove to be a lead that SPU would not relinquish. HPU hung in and trailed 34-28 at the half.

The early second half would see HPU begin to mount a comeback, trimming the deficit to three several times in the opening minutes. With 15:40 to play another Ziegenhagen three-pointer made it a 40-36 score, but HPU would get no closer.

Neal added 11 points with four rebounds, Jelany White also four rebounds, five assists, and nine points in the opener.

HPU will head back to Laie and the campus of BYU-Hawaii tomorrow for the second game of the PacWest/GNAC Challenge. HPU will play Central Washington at 5 PM.

Box Score