HONOLULU, Hawai'i. - On Saturday evening, the Hawai'i Pacific men's basketball team put their three game winning streak on the line in a packed Shark Tank against Westmont College to kick off PacWest play. After the Sharks dropped their first two games in Alaska and took a commanding win over Western Washington, they picked up two more wins in dramatic fashion as their margin of victory over Simon Fraser and Slippery Rock was a combined mere five points

As the game started with hundreds of the Shark Ohana in attendance Dominique "Diggy" Winbush and Matthew Van Komen would take the fight Westmont as they combined for 20 of the 39 first half points. Entering the matchup as the reigning PacWest Defender of the Week, Van Komen continued his defensive dominance as he picked up three blocks in the first half. However, Westmont managed to keep Hawai'i Pacific within reach as Anthony McIntyre would hit a three off a pass from Jalen Townsell to give the visiting Warriors a manageable 39-32 deficit heading into the break.

 Emerging onto the court for the second half the Sharks they needed someone to step up to keep the Warriors from stealing another victory on Oahu for the second time this week. Winbush would answer that call as Westmont would be unable to find a way to the guard from Los Angeles away from the free throw line. The JuCo product would score 11 of his 16 second half points by way of the charity stripe finishing the night with 27 points matching his career high that he set at Chabot College.

As the clock winded down the Sharks were on the verge of icing the game as they held a 74-68 lead with under two minutes left in regulation. Not going out quietly into the night, Westmont would put together a quick six point run which was capped off by a Townsell three to tie the game with 15 seconds. The Warriors would quickly squander their momentum as Winbush would draw another foul and sinking both attempts.

With the game on the line Westmont would miss a game-tying jumper but would get a second chance with the dead-ball rebound going their way. With five seconds left, the Warriors were one inbound away from sending the game into overtime. 

That was until Van Komen utilized his frame to send the pass back into the opposing inbounder causing a turnover, stunning the visiting bench. Josh Niusulu was then able to hit both free throws after being fouled to secure yet another down-to-the-wire win.

With the win the Sharks move to a strong 4-2 on the season and more importantly 1-0 in PacWest play.

Maj Dusanic continues to be an X-Factor for the Sharks picking up a 10 point/rebound double-double while also leading the squad in assists.

The Sharks will be back action Monday against Fresno Pacific as they look build the win streak to five.

For the full HPU men's basketball schedule, CLICK HERE