HONOLULU (Dec. 18) - Peter Bullock scored 19 points, including the game-winning layup with 1.5 seconds left, as the UAA men's basketball team completed a perfect trip to the islands with a 76-73 victory over Hawaii Pacific.
UAA (9-2) won its fourth straight with double-figure scoring from three players, including a career-high 11 points from guard Jesse Brown. Hawaii Pacific (1-8) was led by 20 points apiece from Aaron Abrams and Marvin Noble.
The Seawolves trailed throughout the first half until an Aaron Lawrence three gave them a 35-33 advantage with 2:02 remaining. HPU scored the final four points before the break, however.
UAA came out hot in the second half and built its lead as high as seven points. Tied 44-44, Brown nailed consecutive three-pointers to spark the Seawolf run. The senior defensive specialist had his best-ever offensive game, hitting 4 of 5 shots, including all three long-range attempts.
The game was played as part of the Hawaiian Style Classic at Chaminade's McCabe Gymnasium, however the Sea Warriors played in front of a boisterous crowd in their hometown. HPU rallied to get within 71-70 with just over a minute remaining before Bullock took a lob pass from Brown and converted the layin.
HPU's Abrams then scored and was fouled, completing the three-point play and bringing the game even at 73-73.
After an Adam Fitt-Chappell turnover with 20 seconds remaining, the Sea Warriors declined to call timeout. Abrams drove into the defense of Brown at the free throw line and had the ball stripped by Bullock, who drove the length of the court, hit the layup and was fouled. After converting the free throw, Bullock knocked away the ensuing inbounds pass to seal the victory.
The win followed victories over Notre Dame de Namur (Calif.) and Chaminade as UAA went 3-0 at the Classic.
Bullock hit 8 of 11 shots from the field, while Kemmy Burgess (16 points) and Mark Drake (11) provided the majority of UAA's other scoring. Point guard Aaron Lawrence finished with seven points and seven assists.
UAA used 28 of 55 (.509) shooting to overcome a 32-16 disadvantage on the boards.
The Seawolves will split up for a week before reconvening and traveling to Fairbanks for the Dec. 29-30 Ice Fog Classic. UAA will play Columbia Union of Maryland and Lake Superior State of Michigan.
