Box score
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Aided by 20 offensive rebounds, the University of Indianapolis traveled to the island of Oahu and topped the Hawaii Pacific Sea Warriors, 70-66. UIndy’s offensive rebounds actually outnumbered its defensive (19) and it marked the first time the Hounds have grabbed at least a score of offensive boards since they pulled down 20 at USI on 2/28/04.
HPU (6-5) started quickly, building a 14-6 lead in the early going. With 8:22 remaining in the first half, the margin was pushed to ten as a Kamron Alborz three made it 23-13, forcing a Greyhound timeout. The Hounds responded with a 13-5 run over the next five and a half minutes, capped by a
Braxton Mills offensive board and layup that cut the lead to two. The squads traded baskets in the final minutes, making for a 30-28 halftime score that favored the hosts.
Offensive rebounds became paramount in the first stanza as the Hounds struggled to find their touch in the unfamiliar gym, connecting on only 30% of their shots. The Sea Warriors felt right at home, however, as they knocked down two thirds of their attempts. The Hounds rebounded thirteen of their own first half misses to help minimize the shooting disparity.
After the break, Hawaii Pacific again started quickly, scoring the period’s first seven points, prompting Coach Sturgeon to call time. A UIndy turnover followed the stoppage and it looked as though the Hounds would fall further behind. The Sea Warriors gave the ball back, however, and the Greyhounds found their shooting touch. UIndy scored on its next five possessions to take its first lead, 41-40, with 13:27 remaining. Over that span, junior transfer
DeAndre Brock nailed three triples to help earn the advantage. Brock scored 21 of his team-high 23 points in the second half.
Indianapolis continued to use the three-ball to control the game, as five Hounds combined to shoot 8-for-16 from behind the arc in the second half. A
Keith Radcliff three upped the lead to five with 1:34 to go. The home team matched the Hounds on the next possession, trimming the difference to a deuce. But again the long ball helped UIndy, as
Justin Barnard’s shot from distance pushed the lead to five with just 46 seconds remaining.
The Sea Warriors made one last push, orchestrating a 4-0 run to bring the score to 67-66 with 16 ticks left. An HPU turnover sandwiched between three Brock free throws iced it, however, as the Hounds upped their record to 6-3 overall, including wins in five of their last six contests.
Along with Brock, the Hounds were led by sophomore Braxton Mills (pictured). Mills notched his fourth career double-double by recording 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting while adding 12 rebounds, including a career-best nine on the offensive end.
Jordan Barnard contributed 10 points and 4 rebounds.
UIndy (6-3, 2-1 GLVC) continues its island stay as it faces the Silverswords of Chaminade University on Saturday. Tip is scheduled for 2:00 pm local time, 7:00 pm Indianapolis time.
Notes: UIndy outscored Hawaii Pacific 42-29 in the game’s final 16:29 … the Greyhounds are 4-0 when Braxton Mills has a double-double … newcomer DeAndre Brock has led the Greyhounds in scoring in eight of nine games this season.
