by By Brent Curry, HPU Athletics
HONOLULU, HI (February 2, 2015) – The Hawai’i Pacific Women’s Basketball Team (17-4, 12-2) dropped its second consecutive game on Monday night at the Neal Blaisdell Center. The Sharks fell to visiting California Baptist (18-3, 11-2) 96-78.
Jessi Reeves opened the game with a basket and she was fouled, but she missed the “and 1” and things went downhill from there. The Sharks found themselves down 14-4 by the 15:53 mark of the first half after an 11-0 Lancer run. HPU never recovered and trailed by as many as 27 in the first half.
HPU played better in the second half, outscoring CBU by four in the period. However, the Lancers’ big first half advantage was insurmountable. Despite the loss, HPU can take pride in an excellent second half. The Sharks shot a sterling 55.6% (20-36) from the floor and 71.4% (5-7) from distance in the final frame. HPU’s superior ball control was on display in the second half, only turning it over twice in the half.
Chenise Peone (Colville Tribes) continued her excellent play with a career-high 24 points to go with game-high 12 rebounds. It is the senior’s sixth double-double of the season. Reeves also posted a career-high with 17 points. Kylie Huerta (13) and Breanna Mackenzie (10) joined the double-figure scorers as Veanne Navarro added nine. Huerta again led HPU in assists with six dimes.
The Sharks return to action on Sunday (2/8) as Chaminade visits the Neal Blaisdell Center at 1:00 pm.
