HONOLULU — Hawaiʻi Pacific erupted for 57 second-half points and powered past Western Washington, 86–71, on Friday night at the Shark Tank, turning a halftime deficit into a convincing non-conference win.

The Sharks (3–1) shot a blistering 71 percent from the field after the break and outscored the Vikings 57–31 in the final 20 minutes. HPU finished the night 33-for-62 (53 percent) overall and dominated inside with 48 points in the paint.

Quentin Meza fueled the comeback, scoring 13 of his game-high 23 points in the second half, including a series of driving layups that ignited the crowd and swung momentum firmly toward the Sharks. The junior guard also added five assists and two steals.

Joshua West delivered a standout all-around performance with 19 points, five rebounds, and five steals, repeatedly turning defensive pressure into transition baskets. Quinton McCullough anchored the interior with 11 points and a game-high 10 rebounds, while Avi Halpert sparked the offense off the bench with 10 points, four assists, and five rebounds.

HPU's depth proved decisive, as the bench outscored WWU's reserves 21–16 and combined for multiple key defensive plays during the comeback stretch. The Sharks also turned 20 turnovers into 31 points, using their pressure defense to speed up the tempo and wear down the Vikings.

Western Washington (3–4) was led by Aidan Rice, who poured in 32 points and hit six 3-pointers, including 15 in the first half as the Vikings built a 40–29 halftime lead. But HPU clamped down after the break, holding WWU to just 11-for-27 shooting from the field in the second half.

HPU took its first lead of the half at 59–58 with just over nine minutes left and never trailed again, stretching the margin to as many as 15 in the final minute.

The Sharks return to action Monday under the bright lights of Bankoh Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center, as they take on the Rainbow Warriors of Hawai'i. While the game is an exhibition for the Sharks, the game counts for the 'Bows. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available here.