AZUSA, Calif. — The Vulcans shot over 80 percent from the free throw line for the second consecutive game, hitting six in a row at the end as Hawai’i Hilo Men’s Basketball defeated Azusa Pacific, 69-63, Saturday evening in Pacific West Conference play at the Felix Event Center.
AZUSA, Calif. — The Vulcans shot over 80 percent from the free throw line for the second consecutive game, hitting six in a row at the end as Hawai’i Hilo Men’s Basketball defeated Azusa Pacific, 69-63, Saturday evening in Pacific West Conference play at the Felix Event Center.
With single-digit minutes remaining on the clock, APU managed to put together an 8-2 run (6-6 FT) to cut the Vulcans’ lead to just two points with 33 ticks to go. Julio Montes II (4-4 FT) and Jake Kosakowski (2-2 FT) sank their free-throw attempts to help close out the road victory.
Kosakowski led all scorers with 20 points after splashing six 3-pointers (.750) in the opening half, while Montes II took over to put through 14 of his 17 total points in the final 20 minutes of action. Isaiah Hinds followed with 12 points, six rebounds (team high), four steals (game high) and a big defensive block late in the game.
“[Kosakowski]’s been playing with confidence. Team is very confident in him,” fifth-year Vulcans head coach Kaniela Aiona told Guava Press Media. “He does a great job of spacing the floor for us. Lately, he’s been getting the shot attempts, but he’ll always create opportunities for the team.”
Hawai’i Hilo moved to 4-3 in PacWest play (11-6 overall) as Azusa Pacific moved to a 4-6 conference record (9-9 overall).
Other notes
Kosakowski currently holds a .533 three-point shooting percentage on the season (49-92 3PT), which would put him tied at No. 1 among all three NCAA Divisions — tied with Cal Luthern’s (D-III) Jake Martin (40-75 3PT).
The Vulcans posted an .846 free-throw shooting percentage following up a season-high .889 against Biola last week.
Saturday’s contest was the first of a four-game road trip through Southern California with additional stops at Vanguard (Jan. 20), Concordia (Jan. 23) and Point Loma (Jan. 25).
Hawai’i Hilo is currently No. 8 in the PacWest standings. Point Loma (9-1) holds the top spot while Azusa Pacific is at No. 11.
Up next: 5:30 p.m. today vs Vanguard (Costa Mesa, Calif. / Freed Center)