HONOLULU, Hawai'i - In a thrilling showdown at the Shark Tank, the Hawai'i Pacific men's basketball team emerged victorious with a hard-fought 69-66 overtime win against the Hawaii-Hilo Vulcans in the first game of the Island battle. The Sharks, eager to rebound from a close loss to Chaminade, showcased resilience and determination, leveraging their home-court advantage to secure a critical win.

Entering the game with a 6-2 record at the Shark Tank, Hawai'i Pacific aimed to capitalize on their familiarity and success on their home court. The stage was set for an intense battle, and the Sharks were prepared to bounce back from their recent setback.

The first half of the game was characterized by intense back-and-forth action, with both teams exchanging blows and the lead shifting nine times. Despite the competitive nature of the contest, the Sharks remained in the fight, thanks in large part to the dominating presence of Maj Dusanic in the paint. Dusanic's contributions were pivotal, amassing eight points and establishing a formidable presence in the low post.

Tyrease Terrell added another dimension to the Sharks' first-half performance, showcasing accuracy from beyond the arc by knocking down a pair of three-pointers. Terrell's sharpshooting prowess kept Hawai'i Pacific within striking distance, trailing by just one point as they headed into the halftime break.

The intensity of the Island Battle reached new heights in the second half, with the rival squads engaging in a relentless exchange of blows that resulted in an additional 11 lead changes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

After a relatively quiet first half, Dominique "Diggy" Winbush emerged as a key factor for the Sharks in the latter part of the game. Winbush not only provided an offensive spark but also demonstrated exceptional playmaking skills by dishing out a game-high six assists.

The contest reached its climax as the Vulcans managed to tie the game with under a minute left in regulation, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. Despite both teams having chances to secure the win in the waning moments of the game, missed opportunities and resilient defenses kept the score deadlocked. 

Overtime commenced with the Vulcans striking first, securing a pair of free throws to take the initial lead. However, Dominique "Diggy" Winbush swiftly responded for HPU, showcasing his offensive prowess with a tough layup to level the score. Winbush continued to be a driving force, giving the Sharks the lead with a pull-up jumper.

The back-and-forth battle persisted, as the Vulcans once again tied the game and delivered a crowd-silencing three-pointer with just a minute remaining. Facing the pressure, Charlie Weber stepped up for the Sharks, converting a crucial layup off an exquisite pass from Josh Niusulu. Weber's basket not only kept the Sharks alive but also marked his eighth consecutive game with a double-digit scoring performance.

With a slim lead, the Vulcans had an opportunity to ice the game, but a missed jumper provided the Sharks with one last chance. In a moment of high tension, Winbush rose to the occasion, drawing a foul, and calmly converted both free throws to regain the lead for the Sharks with just 11 seconds on the clock.

Despite a final attempt by the Vulcans to secure the win, Winbush snatched a crucial rebound, setting the stage for Niusulu to seal the Sharks' victory. Niusulu confidently sank a pair of free throws, securing the hard-fought 69-66 win for Hawai'i Pacific.

The game not only showcased the Sharks' resilience but also marked a milestone for Winbush, who finished the contest with 20 points for the third time this season.

Winbush, making a significant impact in his first year with the Sharks, has become a key contributor on the court. His ability to consistently put up 20-point performances underscores his scoring prowess and offensive impact for Hawai'i Pacific. With this achievement, Winbush is now on the brink of making history as he stands just five points away from becoming the first Junior College player to score 200 points in his debut season with the Sharks since Ronald Blain of Grossmont College achieved the feat during the 2018-2019 season.

Looking ahead, the squad gears up for another challenging PacWest matchup against Azusa Pacific. Armed with the confidence and momentum gained from the overtime victory, the Sharks aim to continue their upward trajectory and further solidify their presence as contenders in the conference.

As the season continues to heat up, the progress made by the Hawai'i Pacific squad becomes a compelling narrative, and each game serves as a testament to their dedication and improvement. The Sharks' ability to match their previous win total in just 16 games sets a promising tone for the remainder of the season, and fans can anticipate more exciting performances as the team continues to make strides on the basketball court.