HONOLULU– The Hawaii Pacific University men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign with an exhibition matchup against the University of Hawaii on Sunday, October 25, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Despite a strong shooting performance from Nemanja Sarenac and contributions across the lineup, the Sharks fell to the Rainbow Warriors, 89-60.
Sarenac led HPU with 18 points, connecting on six of his eight attempts from beyond the arc while adding five rebounds and two steals.
Marino Dubravcic provided an efficient presence inside, finishing with 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Will Woodward contributed 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Avi Halpert added 10 points and six assists.
The Sharks came out aggressively, opening the contest with a basket from Woodward before Evan Kilminster connected from three-point range. A layup from Dubravcic and a three-pointer from Woodward helped HPU establish an early 10-5 advantage.
Hawaii responded with a scoring run to take control of the opening half, but the Sharks continued to generate opportunities. Sarenac connected on three first-half three-pointers, while Dubravcic contributed eight points in the period.
HPU entered halftime trailing 46-34.
The Sharks opened the second half with another three-pointer from Sarenac, followed by a layup from Dubravcic that trimmed the deficit to nine points.
Hawaii answered with timely perimeter shooting and gradually extended its advantage throughout the remainder of the contest.
Despite the result, HPU demonstrated offensive efficiency in several areas, shooting 43.6 percent from the field and recording 16 assists on 24 made baskets.
Kilminster directed the offense with a game-high eight assists, while Halpert added six. Together, the duo accounted for 14 of the Sharks' 16 assists.
HPU also recorded eight steals and scored 32 points in the paint.
The Rainbow Warriors were led by Jaden Matingou, who finished with 19 points, while Chance Trujillo added 16.
Sunday's contest provided the Sharks with an opportunity to compete against Division I opposition ahead of the regular season. As an exhibition, the result does not count toward HPU's official season record.
