Honolulu, HI (January 9, 2012) – The Hawai'i Pacific men's basketball (5-6, 2-2) team came out of the gate hot and was able to hang on for a 78-75 win over visiting Dominican University (7-6, 3-2). Malte Ziegenhagen had the best day of his career, and set a Sea Warrior season-high, by scoring 26 points on 7-11 shooting with five three-point makes.

HPU took a 5-0 lead to begin the game and it would lead wire-to-wire; however the game was full of drama and came down to the final seconds. The first half belonged to the Sea Warriors with HPU taking a 21-11 lead with 6:11 left. HPU would hold the double-digit lead for the remainder of the half and build it to as many as 17 points. A made jumper at the buzzer by Dominican made it a 15 point game at the half (35-20).

The Sea Warriors continued the onslaught in the second half, a three-point hit from Kawika Lyons with 13:46 to play gave the Green and Blue a 25 point cushion at 55-30. Dominican did not quit and just six minutes later the HPU led was under 10 at 61-52. By the 2:17 mark, HPU's lead had dwindled to four points. In crunch time, HPU made its foul shots and came up with a few key stops to ice the win. HPU hit 6-8 foul shots in the final minute.

Fouls and foul shooting were keys to the game. The teams combined for 51 fouls and 76 foul shots, Dominican attempted 39 foul shots in the second half alone. Overall, HPU had the better percentage, going 23-31 (74.2%) as Dominican hit 33-45 (73.3%).   

After an off game from beyond the arc, the Sea Warriors returned to form connecting on 9-17 (52.9%) deep balls. Overall, HPU shot the ball well, making 56.1% (23-41) of all field goals. The defense held the Penguins to 37.7% (20-53) shooting. Dominican hung in with its ability to get to the foul line, forcing turnovers, and by winning the battle on the offensive glass 15-8. However, HPU won the overall rebounding matchup 33-31.

HPU will next host Chaminade on Monday at Moanalua High School at 5:00 PM.

Box Score