HONOLULU, Hawai'i - In a memorable showdown at the Hoops In Hawai'i Classic, the Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) men's basketball team secured a heart-stopping 69-66 overtime victory against the Lincoln University Oaklanders, led by NBA Hall-of-Famer Gary Payton. The Sharks, riding high on a six-game win streak, showcased their resilience and determination to claim their seventh consecutive victory.

First Half Fireworks
The first half of the game saw the Oaklanders, spearheaded by the impressive Jeremiah Stamps outing, seized control with an impressive 30-21 lead under 1:30 left to play. However, the Sharks fought back with Charlie Weber and Josh Niusulu draining crucial back-to-back threes, narrowing the gap to three points heading into halftime.

Second-Half Showdown
Coming off a significant win against nationally-ranked CSUSB, the Sharks, under the strategic guidance of Head Coach Jesse Nakanishi, faced another tough path to victory. In response to early adversity, Niusulu and Weber answered the call, combining for 21 points in the second half. Meanwhile, the secoldn half witnessed seven lead changes, with Lincoln holding a four-point lead with under a minute to go. Another tough layup by Niusulu and a huge three by Melo Sanchez would give HPU a 55-54 lead but a shooting foul on Stamps would hand the right back to Lincoln with under 20 seconds left in the game. However with the game on the line Niusulu bulldozed his way through a Lincoln defender picking a lead-taking layup and a shooting foul. However the Oaklanders were able to tie the game with two seconds left drawing a foul of their own, tying the game at 58, and sending the contest into overtime. 

Overtime Heroes
In the extra frame, the Sharks found heroes in Maj Dusanic and Jakob Kimura. Dusanic's versatile skillset was on full display as he contributed 10 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Meanwhile, Kimura rose to the occasion defensively, contesting a crucial layup attempt and setting the stage for a Dusanic layup that ultimately gave HPU a five-point lead. Sanchez would later seal the deal with a pair of clutch free throws, securing the 69-66 victory.

Unstoppable Momentum
With this triumph, the Sharks notched their second win at the Hoops in Hawai'i Classic, maintained a perfect 5-0 record at the Shark Tank, and extended their winning streak to an impressive seven games. The stage is now set for an highly anticipated rematch against the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves, scheduled for 6:00 pm HST at the Shark Tank. As the Sharks continue to make waves, their journey promises more thrilling moments for fans and opponents alike.