Box Score HONOLULU, Hawai'i - In a high-stakes clash that unfolded with redemption on their minds, Hawai'i Pacific University's men's basketball team showcased resilience and determination in a decisive 83-72 victory over Dominican University. The Sharks entered the matchup fueled by a desire to bounce back from a recent narrow loss to Academy of Art and, in doing so, aimed to to get back on track with a sweep over Dominican for the first time in four years.
The Penguins burst out of the gate, establishing a formidable 13-5 lead in the opening minutes of action. However, the Sharks, undeterred by the early deficit, promptly shifted gears and orchestrated a stunning turnaround, outscoring Dominican 31-8 to close the half. The dramatic swing in momentum showcased HPU's ability to adapt and respond to challenges with poise.
A standout performer in this emphatic first-half surge was Charlie Weber, extending his double-digit scoring streak to six games with a stellar 10-point start to the game. Weber's consistent offensive output has become a cornerstone of the Sharks' success, providing a reliable scoring presence for the team.
The Sharks' bench also played a pivotal role in their display of dominance, with Tyrease Terrell making a significant impact by burying a pair of three-pointers.
Tucker Pellicci emerged as another unsung hero off the bench, collecting five crucial boards and showcasing defensive prowess with a key block. Pellicci's contributions underscored the depth and versatility of the Sharks' roster, proving that success goes beyond the starting lineup.
As the halftime buzzer sounded, HPU found themselves in control with a 36-21 lead, having successfully weathered the storm initiated by the Penguins.
The second half proved to be a shooting masterclass for HPU, as they turned up the heat with remarkable efficiency. The Sharks' 55% field goal shooting and a scorching 64% from three-point range painted a picture of offensive excellence that left Dominican struggling to keep pace.
Terrell continued his three-point showcase, adding three more triples to his total. His ability to consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc added an extra dimension to the Sharks' offensive arsenal, creating matchup a headache for the Penguins resulting in Melo Sanchez, Ethan Taafe, and Weber joining the three-point parade, each draining a pair of treys. The balanced scoring from long range showcased the versatility of HPU's offensive threats, making it challenging for Dominican to key in on any single player.
Despite Dominican outscoring the Sharks 51-47 in the second half, HPU's commanding lead built in the first half proved insurmountable.
Terrell concluded his breakout performance with an impressive 15 points in just 17 minutes of play. Terrell made the most of his opportunity, connecting on an outstanding 63% from beyond the arc.
Weber continued to be a consistent force for HPU, finishing the contest with a game-high 18 points. This stellar performance brought Weber's season average to 13.0 points per game, concluded the week with 45 points in two games.
Ethan Taafe had a career night, scoring a personal best of 11 points while maintaining perfect accuracy from beyond the arc. Taafe's sharpshooting, combined with his teammates ablility to spread the floor proved too much for their conference foe.
Melo Sanchez, showcasing his all-around skills, collected nine rebounds and dished out four assists in addition to his 16 points. Sanchez's ability to impact various facets of the game highlighted the Sharks' depth and versatility.
The Sharks now find themselves sharing a portion of first place in the conference. This win not only showcases their resilience and offensive prowess but sets the stage for a thrilling stretch of rivalry games against Chaminade and Hilo.
