Laie, HI (December 1, 2012) – The Hawai'i Pacific men's basketball (0-4, 0-1)) team lost the Pacific West Conference opener to BYU-Hawaii (3-3, 1-0) by the score of 83-74 on Saturday in Laie. The Sea Warriors were led by Jelany White who had a season-high 21 points to go with six rebounds and five assists.

The first half was very competitive with the Seasiders in front most of the time, but with HPU within striking distance. The Sea Warriors took a 16-15 lead with 7:48 to play on a basket by Farbod Farman. BYU-H answered with a 12-2 run to lead by nine with 3:06 left. HPU would whittle the lead down to five at the half (31-26).

A three-point hit from White would even the game at 31 just over two minutes into the second half, but an 11-2 BYU-H run would put HPU back in comeback mode. With 7:36 on the clock HPU got to within one at 56-55 on a jumper by Malte Ziegenhagen, and then again at 58-57 at the 5:51 mark. However, less than four minutes later, HPU would trail by 11. HPU would work back to make it a five-point deficit with 1:07 left, but would not get any closer.

“This was a hard fought game that came down to the end. This is probably our best effort of the season so far. Unfortunately, we didn't get the win, but I see some real positives and things to be encouraged about with our team,” said head coach Darren Vorderbruegge.

Ziegenhagen would shoot 6-12 (50%) from the floor and finish with 19 points. Big man Marko Cukic chipped in six points and seven rebounds.

HPU will next host Urbana College in a non-conference matchup on December 9th at 2 PM at Moanalua High School.  


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