Box Score HONOLULU, HI (December 4, 2014) – The Hawai'i Pacific Men's Basketball Team (3-2, 0-1) lost the PacWest opener against cross-island rival BYU-Hawaii (5-0, 1-0) 75-61 on Thursday night at the Neal Blaisdell Center.

The Sharks had their chances against the 23rd ranked Seasiders but couldn't make the big shot when needed. The game had an old school knock-down, drag-out feel with HPU's defense keeping the Sharks in the game. HPU forced 18 turnovers and limited BYU-H to just 24-62 (38.7%) from the floor.

HPU trailed 46-30 with 14:16 left in the game before making its move. The Sharks made a 15-3 run over the next five minutes to draw to within four. Josh Morgan and Luke Hager largely fueled the run with six points each. A three-pointer by Colfax Nordquist made the deficit six with 4:41 to play at 59-53. However, that is as close as HPU got as the veteran Seasiders were clutch at the line to close the game.

The first half was a defensive clinic as neither team found its offensive footing. The visitors shot only 12-36 (33.3%) in the opening frame but still took a 32-20 lead to the break.

Hager was sensational posting a game-high 28 points to go with a team-high nine rebounds. Darry Jones Jr. went 8-12 from the line for 10 points. Justin Long helped out with nine points, including a three-pointer.

HPU looks to rebound against UH Hilo on Saturday at 3:00 pm at the Neal Blaisdell Center.