(Honolulu, HI) The Hawai'i Pacific University men's basketball team put on an impressive performance in front of a decent crowd at the SimpliFi Arena, battling Division I University of Hawai'i to the final moments before falling 67-63. The Sharks showcased their ability to compete at the highest level, led by standout performances from Sherman Brashear and Jonas Visser.

Game Recap

First Half: Sharks Strike Early
HPU came out strong, matching Hawai'i's energy and precision to take a 38-33 lead into halftime. The Sharks shot an impressive 50% from the field in the first half, fueled by Sherman Brashear's dynamic scoring. Brashear tallied 15 points in the opening period, hitting three of his five three-point attempts. Jonas Visser was dominant in the paint, adding eight points and four rebounds, helping the Sharks control the tempo.

Second Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The second half was a tightly contested affair with five lead changes and three ties. HPU continued to execute from beyond the arc, hitting five second-half three-pointers, including clutch shots from Brashear and Pavle Kuzmanovic. Despite the Sharks' resilience, Hawai'i capitalized on their three-point shooting (48.4% for the game) and key free throws down the stretch to secure the narrow victory.

Key Performances

• Sherman Brashear: Led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including a stellar 5-of-9 from three-point range. Brashear also grabbed seven rebounds in a standout all-around performance.
• Jonas Visser: Dominated inside with 14 points and eight rebounds, providing a steady presence on both ends of the floor.
• Joshua West: Chipped in nine points and matched Visser with eight rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the Sharks' defensive efforts.
• Avi Halpert: Added eight points and a game-high four assists, showing his playmaking ability under pressure.

Team Highlights

• Three-Point Efficiency: HPU shot 38.9% from beyond the arc, knocking down seven triples to keep the game close against a strong defensive opponent.
• Rebounding Battle: The Sharks outrebounded Hawai'i 39-38, demonstrating their toughness and ability to compete against bigger opponents.
• Second-Chance Points: HPU capitalized on offensive rebounds to score 15 second-chance points, keeping the game within reach throughout.

Looking Ahead

The Sharks proved they can compete with top-tier talent, using this performance as a benchmark for their potential this season. With standout showings from Brashear and Visser, HPU's roster is building chemistry and confidence heading into PacWest play. Fans can expect exciting basketball as the Sharks continue to bring energy and determination to every game. #GoSharks