Honolulu, HI (November 24, 2012) – Fans at Moanalua High School thought they would be seeing at least an extra five minutes of basketball as the game between Hawai'i Pacific (0-3) and Carleton College (2-0) was tied with just four seconds to play. However, a desperation heave by Carleton from the right wing found the mark, beating HPU 74-71.

HPU looked to be in good position late; Jeffery Neal hit a layup with: 57 left to put HPU up by three. Then Carleton tied the game with a three-pointer, one of 11 (11-20, 55%) that the visitors would hit. As Malte Ziegenhagen drove for the potential winning basket he was fouled, but the German national missed both foul shots. That set the stage for Tom Sawatzke's game winning three-pointer.

HPU was streaky throughout the first half. HPU led 16-11 with 14:39 left in the first half, but Carleton led for nearly the next ten minutes thereafter. A three-pointer by Kawaika Lyons tied the game for the sixth time with 1:34 left in the half. Lyons would again dial long distance on the next possession and Jelany White would hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer of his own as Carlton managed just one point over the final 1:34. HPU headed to the locker room leading 40-32.  

HPU led most of the second half, including a 10 point lead at 42-32. The Sea Warriors led 62-55 with 8:05 left to go, but Carlton responded with a 9-0 run to take a two point lead with 5:13 left. The game would stay close leading up to the dramatic ending.

Leif Rodney led HPU in points and rebounds with 14 and five before fouling out. Kevin Attila added 12 points and five assists.  

HPU will next head to Laie to open conference play against BYU-Hawaii on December 1st at 2:30 PM.

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