MANOA, HI (November 7, 2014) – The Hawai'i Pacific Men's Basketball Team battled Division I Hawaii-Manoa down to the wire on Thursday night in an exhibition game in front of a crowd of 5,154. The Sharks ultimately lost 62-55, but trailed by only one with 2:29 to play.

With tenacious defense, UH was limited to 38.9% shooting for the game, the Sharks hung around early in the second half. Still, Manoa's lead grew to 13 by the 7:23 mark.

Getting to the foul line sparked the Sharks as newcomer Luke Hager and sophomore Colfax Nordquist, who were both active all night, each hit a pair of free throws. Hager then made a jumper to get the lead down to seven. After a Manoa basket, Darry Jones Jr. connected before Nordquist drilled a three-pointer. Justin Long then took it to the rim and converted to make it 52-21 with 4:20 to play.

It was Jones Jr. who answered another UH score with a pair of free throw hits to draw to within one again at 54-53 with 2:29 left. However, HPU would only score once (Nordquist) down the stretch as the home team secured the win.

HPU opened the game with a 4-0 lead and the game stayed close for much of the first half. HPU closed the half strong with an 8-0 run to make the score 29-23 at the break.

Jones Jr. led the way in scoring with 12 points, including several nice drives. Hager also had double-figures with 10 and a team-high eight rebounds to go with three dimes. Nordquist also had a good all-around game with nine points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

The Sharks' D forced 18 turnovers including two steals each by Josh Morgan and Rema Lascelles.

HPU will now open the season with Regis, a Division II school from the RMAC, on November 15th at 3:00 pm at Moanalua High School.

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