SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. In the first showdown of 2024 at the historic Kezar Pavilion, the Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) men's basketball team squared off against the Academy of Art Urban Knights, experiencing a 65-51 defeat that brought an end to their undefeated streak in PacWest play. The game, infused with the emotions of a homecoming for Dominique "Diggy" Winbush and Josh Niusulu, brought an electric atmosphere to the court as families and former teams rallied in support of their Sharks.

As the game tipped off, Academy of Art quickly established a commanding 20-point lead, courtesy of a scorching start from the field. Despite the uphill battle, the Sharks found a spark in the form of Charlie Weber, who came off the bench to notch eight crucial first-half points, narrowing the deficit to 18. However, for HPU to mount a comeback, the offense needed to ignite quickly against the determined Urban Knights.

The second half saw a resurgent effort from the Sharks, outscoring the Urban Knights 33-29. However, Academy of Art's early insurance proved pivotal in securing the win. Winbush led both squads in scoring with an impressive 15 points, showcasing her offensive prowess. Meanwhile, Weber continued his noteworthy streak of double-digit scoring, now spanning three games, and is averaging an impressive 13.0 points per game during this stretch.

Despite the defeat, the game was marked by a tremendous atmosphere, with the support from families, teammates, and coaches creating a memorable experience despite the outcome. Looking ahead, the Sharks look to close out their trip to the Bay Area on a high note, as they set their sights on a matchup against Dominican University.