Box Score IRVINE, CA (March 6, 2015) – The Hawai'i Pacific Men's Basketball Team (16-11) ended its season with a 99-84 lost in the opening round of the PacWest Tournament to 19th ranked California Baptist (23-5). Despite injury concerns, HPU battled to the end.

All-PacWest member Justin Long drilled a three-pointer to tie the game at three just 1:45 into the game. After a defensive stop, Darry Jones Jr. got to the line and converted the free throws to put HPU up 5-3. However, the regional power Lancers went on a 17-5 run over the next several minutes to take early control.

The Sharks countered with a 10-3 spurt, aided by five points from Colfax Nordquist to pull to within 31-27 with 5:54 to play in the opening half. Moments later, HPU scored five consecutive points on free throws to trim the deficit to one (33-32). The late stages of the first half belonged to CBU, leading 49-39 at the break.   

The Lancer lead soon ballooned to 20 points (61-41) just two and a half minutes into the second frame. HPU didn't fade, bouncing back with a 21-7 run to trail by only six points with 12:04 to go. Jones Jr. again connected at the foul line to make it a 72-67 game with 9:34 left. However, HPU could get no closer in the final quarter of the game.

"I am really proud of this team and especially these seniors," said Coach Darren Vorderbruegge. "We made about three runs tonight to keep us in the game. We lost Luke (Hager) to an injury and although he is a big part of our team the guys kept in there without him."

Long led the team with 22 points, including three triples. Fellow senior Jones Jr. chipped in 14 points. Although only able to play 17 minutes, Hager scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds. Nordquist had a season-high 14 points to go with a team-high seven rebounds and two steals.

At 16-11 overall, this marks the second season in a row that men's basketball has had a winning season.