Box Score HONOLULU, HI (November 28, 2013)- A late clutch three-pointer from Brittany Hale lifted the Hawai`i Pacific Women's Basketball Team (1-0) 71-68 over Oklahoma Christian (3-4) in its season opener at McKinley High School on Thursday.
 
The Sea Warriors opened their season in the Oahu Classic against the Eagles who had already played in six games coming in to the Thanksgiving Day tilt. Despite the disparity in games played, it was HPU who jumped out to a big first half lead.
 
Veanne Navarro converted an and-one just five minutes into the game sparking a 12-2 run for the Sea Warriors.  They would stretch their lead out to 10 with 12 minutes to play in the first half.
 
The Eagles would battle back however, cutting the lead to four after a buzzer-beater heading into the break.
 
HPU shot 42.1% (16-38) from the field in the first half, but struggled from beyond the arc only hitting 23.1% (3-13) of its shots. The Sea Warriors held the Eagles to 39.3% (11-28) shooting from the field and picked off 11 steals before the break.
 
In the second half, HPU picked up its three-point shooting, but the Eagles kept it close after being awarded an extra 13 shots at the charity stripe.
 
Following three ties and four lead changes the Sea Warriors found themselves in a tie ballgame with under a minute to play.
 
After a defensive stop and a Mikela Thoemmes rebound, Hale faked a pass to the corner and stepped into, and buried, a three-pointer with 24 seconds remaining. HPU picked up another defensive stop with Morganne Comstock pulling down her 10th rebound of the game to secure the 71-68 victory.
 
Skye Savini led all scorers with 19 points and six rebounds while Comstock earned a double-double with 12 points, four steals and two blocks to go along with her 10 boards. Navarro and Hale each finished with nine points.
 
Senior Ieva Nagy commented on her team's performance on opening night,
 
"Considering the changes in personnel and our new players I thought we did really well as a group and came through when it mattered. This was a great way to start off the season! Props to Brittany, that shot was huge."
 
The Sea Warriors return to action Friday night against Lubbock Christian in the final game of the Oahu Classic. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at McKinley High School.