AZUSA, Calif. — Despite a resurgent shooting performance in the second half and a double-double from Shad Thomas, Azusa Pacific couldn't overcome a dominant interior display by Hawaii Hilo, falling 83-78 on Thursday night in overtime at the Felix Event Center.
The Cougars (6-10, 4-7 PacWest) found themselves in a physical battle from the jump, but the Vulcans' size proved to be the difference. Hawaii Hilo (4-15, 4-9 PacWest) controlled the boards with a 52-29 rebounding advantage, led by double-double performances from Alex Horiuk (19 points, 12 rebounds) and Dre Nobles (14 points, 14 rebounds).
Turning Point After a cold first half where they shot just 18% from deep, the Cougars ignited in the second frame. A flurry of three-pointers from Caleb Oden and Shant Chenorhavorian helped APU erase a halftime deficit and keep the game within a single possession in the final minutes. However, Hilo's Nadad Da Rocha proved to be the X-factor, scoring a game-high 23 points off the bench—including critical free throws down the stretch—to seal the road win for the Vulcans.
Key Performers
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Shad Thomas (APU): 24 points, 11 rebounds, 8-of-9 FG.
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DM Sanders (APU): 14 points, 4 3PM
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Julio Montes (UHH): 22 points, 12-of-12 from the charity stripe.
Azusa Pacific will look to regroup quickly as they remain at home to continue their PacWest slate, focusing on shoreing up their interior defense.
