Honolulu, HI — Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) kicked off their season with an electrifying 62-59 victory over Alaska Anchorage in a closely contested game at the Shark Tank on November 8, 2024. The Sharks showcased resilience and strong team play to secure their first win, setting a positive tone for their 2024-2025 campaign.
First Half: Neck-and-Neck Battle
The game began with both teams playing aggressively, resulting in a back-and-forth first half. HPU managed to edge out Alaska Anchorage by a slim margin, leading 27-25 at the break. The Sharks shot 33.33% from the field in the first half, highlighted by consistent free-throw shooting (6-6), while Alaska Anchorage kept the pressure with 30.00% shooting from the floor and 22.22% from beyond the arc.
Second Half: Sharks Hold On
The second half saw increased intensity as both teams traded leads multiple times. HPU improved their field goal percentage to 52.00% and maintained a perfect 100% from the free-throw line. Joshua West led the charge for the Sharks with 15 points, including three key three-pointers, while Maj Dusanic and Charlie Weber added critical contributions with 10 and 12 points, respectively. The Sharks held off a late push from Alaska Anchorage, who shot 48.15% in the second half, to secure the win with a final score of 62-59.
Team Performance and Key Stats
- Field Goals: HPU shot 42.3% overall (22-52), slightly outperforming Alaska Anchorage's 38.6% (22-57).
- Three-Point Shooting: Both teams showed similar accuracy from beyond the arc, with HPU at 32.0% and Alaska Anchorage at 32.1%.
- Free Throws: HPU maintained a perfect 10-10 from the line, showcasing their composure under pressure.
- Rebounds: HPU dominated the boards with 36 total rebounds compared to Alaska Anchorage's 29.
- Points in the Paint: HPU led with 24 points to Alaska Anchorage's 12.
- Second-Chance Points: HPU capitalized on opportunities, scoring 14 second-chance points against Alaska Anchorage's 12.
HPU Game Leaders
Key Takeaways
HPU's balanced scoring and defensive effort were pivotal in their opening game success. The team showed excellent free-throw shooting and capitalized on their inside presence with points in the paint and second-chance opportunities. Despite some turnover challenges, HPU's perseverance and key defensive plays, especially late in the game, secured the win.
Final Score: Hawai'i Pacific 62, Alaska Anchorage 59
The Sharks will look to build on this strong start as they continue their season, aiming for more competitive performances and improvements. #GoSharks
