(Honolulu, HI) - The Hawai'i Pacific University women's basketball team showcased their depth and offensive versatility in a hard-fought 77-63 game against MSU Moorhead at the Shark Tank. The Sharks demonstrated their ability to score from beyond the arc, with a stellar showing from the bench and key moments of brilliance throughout the contest.
Game Recap
First Half: Sharks Surge with Shooting Precision
After a slow start, the Sharks found their rhythm in the second quarter, lighting up the scoreboard with a dazzling display from three-point range. Serenity Santos and Lupe Vazquez led the charge, combining for five triples in the quarter. HPU outscored MSU Moorhead 27-19 in the period, bringing the home crowd to its feet as the Sharks closed the gap to just two points at halftime, 36-34.
Second Half: Highlighting Resilience and Range
The Sharks continued to battle, showing flashes of brilliance with clutch shooting and defensive intensity. Morgan Hawkins and Nicole Wertenberger stepped up with key three-pointers, while Megan Jones dominated the boards, pulling down 11 rebounds to keep the Sharks in the fight. HPU's three-point shooting remained a highlight, with the team connecting on 41.7% of their attempts from beyond the arc.
Key Performances
- Serenity Santos: Led the team with 11 points, hitting 3-of-4 from three-point range and bringing energy on both ends of the floor.
- Megan Jones: Anchored the team with 11 rebounds and added eight points, showcasing her versatility and toughness.
- Lupe Vazquez: Contributed 10 points, including two big three-pointers, and provided a spark off the bench.
- Morgan Hawkins: Added 11 points with a mix of long-range shooting and confident drives.
Team Highlights
- Bench Depth: The Sharks' bench shone brightly, contributing 36 points to underscore the team's impressive depth and balance.
- Sharp Shooting: HPU connected on 10 three-pointers, shooting a solid 41.7% from beyond the arc, keeping pressure on their opponents throughout the game.
- Second-Chance Opportunities: The Sharks hustled to score 17 second-chance points, turning rebounds into crucial moments of offense.
Looking Ahead
The Sharks left it all on the court, demonstrating their ability to score from deep, dominate on the boards, and rely on a strong supporting cast. With these strengths as their foundation, HPU is well-positioned to carry momentum into PacWest play. Keep an eye on this resilient and dynamic team as they continue to make waves this season! #GoSharks