BOISE, Idaho — Hawai'i Pacific University men's basketball opened its 2025–26 campaign in storybook fashion, shocking NCAA Division I Boise State 79–78 before a crowd of 10,795 at ExtraMile Arena on Monday night.

The Sharks led nearly wire-to-wire and withstood a furious Bronco rally to secure one of the program's most impressive wins in recent history. While the game will not count towards the Sharks' official season, the loss does count for Boise State.

Senior guard Joshua West spearheaded the effort with a team-high 23 points, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. West set the tone early, scoring 16 of his points before halftime as HPU went into the locker room with a 38–37 lead. His confident shooting and defensive presence steadied the Sharks through multiple Boise State runs.

HPU's offense thrived on efficiency and ball movement, finishing at 49.2 percent from the field and a crisp 90.9 percent (10-for-11) at the free-throw line. Four Sharks scored in double figures:
Quentin Meza added 14 points, four assists, and three steals, including a clutch late-game floater and the decisive free throw in the final minute. Quinton McCullough and Josh Niusulu each contributed 12 points, combining for seven assists. Maj Dusanic anchored the paint with seven rebounds, six points, and several critical stops on Boise's front court tandem.

HPU's bench also made timely contributions, particularly Avi Halpert, who scored 9 points on 5-for-5 free throws, adding a steal and two assists in 16 composed minutes.

HPU controlled the tempo early, opening up a 6-point lead midway through the first half behind West's shooting and Dusanic's inside presence. The Sharks held Boise State to 36 percent shooting in the first 20 minutes and led 38–37 at the break.

The second half was a showcase of resilience. Every time Boise State threatened to pull ahead—led by guard Dylan Andrews (15 points, nine assists) and forward Drew Fielder (13 points, seven rebounds)—the Sharks answered.

With 3:02 remaining, Meza converted a fast-break layup off a Niusulu steal to put HPU ahead 76–70, their largest lead of the night. Boise's Andrew Meadow hit a late 3-pointer to close within one at 78–79, but HPU forced a contested shot on the final possession to seal the win.

Statistical Highlights

• Points in the Paint: HPU 38, Boise State 34
   
• Fast Break Points: HPU 16, Boise State 7
   
• Turnovers Forced: HPU 14 (23 points off turnovers)
   
• Team FG%: HPU 49.2% | Boise State 41.8%
   
• Free Throws: HPU 10-of-11 (91%) | Boise State 12-of-13 (92%)

Despite being out-rebounded 40–27, the Sharks' discipline and pace offset Boise's size. HPU committed just 10 turnovers while forcing 14, flipping momentum with defensive energy.

"I couldn't be more proud of these guys!!!" Said Head Coach Jesse Nakanishi, "We locked into the best versions of ourselves on every possession. They stuck together and had guys step up with big shots." 

The Sharks return home to Honolulu to host a home opening exhibition at The Shark Tank this Saturday against Nobel University at 7 p.m. before officially opening their non-conference season at the Alaksa-Hawaiʻi Challenge in Anchorage.