(Honolulu, HI) The Hawai'i Pacific University men's basketball team delivered an electrifying performance at the Shark Tank, claiming an 89-83 victory over Grace Christian. The Sharks leaned on a strong inside presence, clutch shooting, and bench depth to secure their third win of the season, improving to 3-4.

Game Recap

First Half: Sharks Set the Tone
The Sharks jumped out to an early lead behind aggressive play in the paint and crisp ball movement. Sherman Brashear came out firing, dropping 13 of his game-high 27 points in the opening half. Avi Halpert added two big three-pointers, helping HPU maintain a slim 38-36 lead at the break. The Sharks' efficiency in the paint, scoring 52 points inside for the game, was critical in keeping the Grace Christian defense on its heels.

Second Half: Closing with Confidence
In a back-and-forth second half featuring eight lead changes, HPU found their rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting six second-half three-pointers. Brashear continued his scoring barrage, while Jonas Visser dominated the boards with a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds). Key contributions from the bench, including Pavle Kuzmanovic and Jakob Kimura, provided the Sharks with the depth needed to outlast Grace Christian in the game's closing moments.

Key Performances

• Sherman Brashear: Led all scorers with 27 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including two three-pointers. He also grabbed six rebounds and added a steal.
• Jonas Visser: Recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his dominance in the paint.
• Avi Halpert: Tallied 15 points, hitting 3-of-4 from three-point range, and dished out two assists.
• Maj Dusanic: Brought energy off the bench with eight points and seven rebounds.

Team Highlights

• Points in the Paint: The Sharks controlled the interior, scoring 52 points in the paint compared to Grace Christian's 26.
• Rebounding Edge: HPU won the battle on the boards 52-22, creating multiple second-chance opportunities and scoring 19 second-chance points.
• Bench Contributions: The Sharks' bench provided 26 points, underlining the team's depth and ability to sustain energy throughout the game.
• Balanced Scoring: Nine Sharks contributed to the scoring effort, demonstrating a cohesive and unselfish offense.

Looking Ahead

With another hard-fought victory under their belt, the Sharks are building momentum and confidence heading into PacWest play. HPU's inside-out game, led by standout performances from Brashear and Visser, positions the team well for continued success this season. Fans can look forward to more high-energy battles as the Sharks continue to defend their home court. #GoSharks