COSTA MESA, Calif. – In the first-ever matchup between both programs, Vanguard men's basketball fell to Hawaii Hilo in a 72-68 loss at the Freed Center on Monday.
Though Vanguard led for 32 of the 40 minutes played, the Blue and Gold could not survive the late 12-0 Hilo run to seize control. VU's opportunities to fight back were hindered by a slow night from three-point range (4 of 13) and an 18-17 loss in the turnover trades. The Lions committed 13 of their 18 turnovers in the second half, including a crucial miscue on their final possession of the game to tie or take the lead.
The MLK Day showdown saw Vanguard drop to 11-5, 5-5 in the PacWest Conference. UHH won its third game in a row to improve to 12-6 and 5-3 in the league.
Aibigho Ujadughele scored in double figures for the second straight contest, finishing with a team-high 17 points, five rebounds and four steals. Jackson Larsen shot 5 of10 from the field on his way to 16 points and four rebounds. Chris Chiles scored 15 points and snagged seven rebounds as the last Lion in double figures. The Vulcans were led by Julio Montes, who cashed in a game-high 18 points in the contest, hitting six of his seven free throws.
Vanguard held statistical advantages in bench points (19-16), fast break points (19-6) and points in the paint (34-28). However, the Lions were ultimately weathered down by the best defense in the league in the second half, where VU shot just 33 percent from the field and 14 percent (1 of 7) from three. The 68-point performance at the final horn stood as a season-low mark in total points at home for VU.
What Happened?: Up 36-33 at halftime, Vanguard played much of the second period with a healthy distance up on Hilo. UHH managed to cut VU's lead to 42-41, but an 8-0 Lion run launched by Bryson Metz helped urge the home side forward. VU entered an early bonus at the free throw line, courtesy of a one-man fast break by Ujadughele forcing a Hilo foul. The Cal State San Bernardino transfer hit both attempts from the charity stripe to hand the Lions a nine-point lead (52-43) with 11:17 left.
UHH soon made adjustments, sporting a smaller lineup to shift their matchups offensively. The Vulcans then ventured on a 12-0 run to take their first lead in the ball game at 55-54. VU was without answers offensively, suffering a seven-minute field goal drought before Ujadughele converted a layup on a baseline drive to make it 58-56 Hilo. The Lions fought to dispel the UHH momentum with a rigid press and secured vital steals through Leonard Turner and Chiles to maintain hopes of going on a run.
Anthony Tello, who tallied seven points, seven rebounds and two blocks, flipped in a huge layup to creep the Lions within 68-62. The Blue and Gold kindled a 6-2 run to put the score at 70-68 UHH, and give themselves a chance to tie or take the lead with 18 seconds to go. Unfortunately, another late comeback was not in the cards. VU was unable to execute, committing a turnover on its last possession. The Lions, who had won their previous three games by a combined total of seven points, would not win again with late heroics.
What's Next?: Men's basketball will face the defending conference champions Point Loma on Thursday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Freed Center.
