PHOENIX, AZ (February 23, 2013) - The Hawai'i Pacific Men's Basketball Team (9-14, 6-10) dropped a road contest to Grand Canyon University (22-5, 13-3) by the score of 78-67. Senior Marko Cukic was a bright spot with 22 points and eight rebounds for the Sea Warriors.
 
The Sea Warriors and the Antelope battled in early part of the first half before GCU took a 27-16 lead at the 7:54 mark. The GCU lead would not be less than double-digits from that point. By the half, HPU trailed 39-25.
 
The 'Lopes, one of the best teams in the PacWest, opened up their lead in the second half and led 60-34 with 13:15 to play. HPU would show some life with a 14-0 run to make it a 60-48 game with 10:14 to play. The run was fueled by four three-pointers, including two by Michael Pierce.  A dunk by Cukic made it a 10 point game at 62-52 with 8:10 to play, but HPU would get no closer.
 
HPU shot the ball well, shooting 48 percent from the floor (24-50), 45.5 percent (10-22) from deep and 90 percent (9-10) from the line.HPU outshot GCU from three-point range and from the line but had nearly half the attempts from the foul line.
 
The Sea Warriors only turned the ball over once (13-12) more than GCU but were out rebounded 36-23.
 
Pierce had 12 points on four three-pointers as Kawika Lyons had 10 points. Point guard Jelany White led the team with four assists.
 
The HPU men now head north to St. George, Utah to face Dixie State on Monday; tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM MST.

Box Score