Box Score SAN DIEGO, CA (March 6, 2014) – The Hawai'i Pacific Men's Basketball Team (15-12) reminded everyone why it is called March Madness on Thursday afternoon in San Diego. Down seven-points at the half, the sixth-seeded Sea Warriors came roaring back in the second half to topple the third-seeded Dixie State Red Storm (21-6) 71-65.

The first half belonged to the Red Storm; DSU took the lead with 14:23 left in the opening frame and held the lead for the rest of the first half. However, HPU kept it close, limiting the lead to single-digits all half. Colfax Nordquist was a spark off the bench scoring six points, grabbing four rebounds, and passing out two assists in the first half.

Dixie State kept the momentum to begin the second half, holding its biggest lead at 51-41 with 14:22 to play. HPU then shifted to overdrive, going on a 20-9 run capped by a three-pointer by  Justin Long to give HPU a 61-60 lead with 4:46 to play. After Dixie State tied the game on the next possession, Leif Rodney threw down a two-handed monster jam on a feed from Darry Jones Jr. to give HPU the lead, a lead that HPU would not relinquish. HPU grinded out the last four minutes, allowing only four points down the stretch.

Defense was the calling card for the Columbia Blue and Kelly Green as HPU limited Dixie State to a paltry 29.2% (21-72) from the floor. HPU also protected the arch allowing just 3-14 (21.4%) shooting from deep.

Long scored 21 points to lead all scorers, the SoCal native added seven rebounds. Farbod Farman was a giant for HPU in the post with 19 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks.

HPU now advances to the PacWest Tournament Semifinal tomorrow to play Dominican University at 1:00 p.m. PST.

Box Score