(HONOLULU, HI) - Physical play was the story of the night in the match-up between Hawaii Pacific (15-7, 10-4 PacWest) and Biola (14-9, 9-6 PacWest). The teams were only separated by half a game in the PacWest standings heading into the game, but HPU was able to expand the gap with a big win in front of a packed Shark Tank crowd. 

The Sharks took a 33-23 lead heading into the halftime break, fueled by a 13-3 run to end it. The run was capped off by a defensive stop that led to a fast break, buzzer-beating layup from sophomore Melo Sanchez. 

Sanchez would continue to make plays in the second half, scoring 15 more points in the period. He ended the night with 17 points, including 3 three-point field goals. The Sharks also capitalized on a huge performance from point guard Diggy Winbush. The junior scored 18 points, dished out 7 assists, and grabbed 6 rebounds. Matthew Van Komen made his presence felt on both ends, scoring 10 points, snatching 13 rebounds, and blocking 3 shots. Maj Dusanic also scored in double figures, the 4th Shark to do so. He finished the night with 11 points and 7 rebounds. 

Overall, the Sharks were led by their stellar defense, holding Biola to just 37.5% from the field and 27.3% from thee-point range. Biola guard Nathan Medina came into the game at the top of the PacWest in scoring with nearly 19 points per game, but was held to just 7 points, all of which came in the first half. 

HPU has now won 4 straight games to position themselves in 3rd place in PacWest standings. They hit the road next week for Southern California where they will take on Point Loma, Concordia-Irvine, Azusa Pacific, and Biola.