In a riveting showdown at McCabe Gym, the Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) men's basketball team found themselves on the wrong side of an 83-82 scoreline against the Chaminade Silverswords in the first game of the Battle of H-1. The Sharks, entering the contest tied for first in the PacWest Standings, were eager to secure a win down the street against their archrivals.

The first half witnessed the Silverswords jumping to an early lead, with Maj Dusanic displaying a remarkable all-around performance to keep the Sharks in the fight. Dusanic headed into the break with 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists, showcasing his versatility and determination.

Trailing by seven entering the second half, HPU's offense faced the challenge of sparking to life quickly to steal a victory from their rival. Despite foul trouble, Josh Niusulu and Charlie Weber managed to get to the line, cutting the lead to four. In a crucial sequence, Melo Sanchez's pivotal rebound set the stage for Diggy Winbush to hit a three-pointer with 39 seconds left, swinging momentum toward the Sharks.

However, Chaminade responded with a mid-range jumper, and despite a valiant effort, the Sharks were unable to tie the game at the buzzer. Dusanic finished the game leading the Sharks in points (16), rebounds (7), and assists (4), while Weber extended his impressive streak of double-digit scoring to seven games.

With the narrow loss, the Sharks now hold a 4-3 record in the conference, setting the stage for a quick turnaround as they gear up for Kam's Helmets Day and an afternoon matchup against Hilo. The Battle of H-1 may have started with a heartbreaker, but the Sharks remain resilient, determined to regroup swiftly and continue their pursuit of success in the PacWest standings. The intensity of the rivalry promises more thrilling battles as the season unfolds.