(HONOLULU, HI) -- The Sharks got off to a hot start in the Shark Tank on Thursday night and didn't look back. A layup from Josh Niusulu started off the game with HPU up 2-0 and the Sharks would not give up that lead for the rest of the game. The first half was a dominant performance on both ends, with the score being 40-17 heading into the locker room. HPU was 7-10 from the three-point line at half, while the Golden Eagles were just 5-25 from the field. 

Concordia-Irvine brought the energy in the second half, forcing 11 turnovers. The Golden Eagles were able to outscore the Sharks 31-26 in the second half, but the first half performance was too much to overcome. Overall, the Sharks defense was dominant, holding CUI to just 13-52 (25%) shooting and 3-22 (14%) from the three-point line. 

Hawaii Pacific was led again by their captains, Melo Sanchez and Maj Dusanic. Sanchez poured in 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to complete the double-double. Dusanic scored 15 of his own and had 9 rebounds, including one for a put-back dunk in the second half. Josh Niusulu continued to play well, scoring 13 points and grabbing 6 revounds. Matthew Van Komen played 18 minutes off the bench but was able to make an immediate impact. He ended the night with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block. 

The Sharks have now won 3 straight games and 5 of their last 6, as they continue to keep pace in the PacWest conference standings. Now 9-4 in league play, the 3rd place Sharks host the 4th place Biola Eagles this Saturday. The game tips off at 6:30PM HST at the Shark Tank as the university celebrates Homecoming Weekend.