Honolulu, HI (January 5, 2013) – The Hawai'i Pacific men's basketball team (4-5, 1-1) was again great from long distance, in part, leading to HPU's 72-66 win over visiting Academy of Art (3-7, 1-2). The Sea Warriors would connect on 10-19 (52.6%) three-pointers and improve their team three-point percentage, which already was ranked first in the nation.

It was a strong first half that propelled the Sea Warriors to victory, HPU shot 12-22 (54.5%) from the floor and 10-16 (62.5%) from three-point range to knock the Urban Knights on their heels in the opening half.  The Sea Warriors, winners of four of their last five, never trailed in the contest and led by 12 midway through the half. A three-point hit from Jelany White with 3:51 to play in the opening half gave HPU a 15 point lead, its largest of the game. By the break, HPU led by 10.

In the second half, HPU kept Art U at arm's length, leading by double figures for most of the half. Every AAU run was answered with a Sea Warriors basket. HPU regained a 15 point cushion with 1:32 left in the game, but Art U would make a last-ditch effort at a comeback. After back-to-back threes and a series of HPU turnovers, Art U closed the gap to four at 70-66. However, only five seconds remained and Jason Jordan iced the game at the line.

“Tonight was a strong team effort from the Sea Warriors. I thought we shot the ball well from the field and rebounded well as a team. We had too many turnovers and missed free throws, but we competed for our first conference win and that's important,” said head coach Darren Vorderbruegge.

Marko Cukic continued his hot play with an 8-11 shooting night, ending up with a team-high 17 points and six rebounds. Malte Ziegenhagen scored 15 points as White had 11. Max Livingston was 4-4 from three-point land for 12 points. Leif Rodney led the club with seven rebounds as White led with five assists.

HPU will return to action on Monday against Notre Dame de Namur at 5:00 PM at the Neal Blaisdell Center.

Box Score