ANCHORAGE – Senior forward Niko Bevens and junior center Oggie Pantovic scored 15 points apiece to lead a balanced scoring effort Saturday for the Alaska Anchorage men's basketball team, propelling a 77-48 victory over Hawaii Pacific in the Alaska/Hawaii Challenge at the Alaska Airlines Center.

The Seawolves (3-0) also got 13 points off the bench from junior guard Tobin Karlberg as they outshot the visitors from Honolulu .500 to .327 and outrebounded them 36-25. UAA's margin of victory was its largest against a fellow NCAA Div. II opponent since a 77-47 win at Simon Fraser on Jan. 5, 2017.

The Sharks (0-1) were led by nine points on 3-of-4 three-point shooting from reserve guard Daniel Melifonwu in their season debut.

"Our guys did a terrific job of not letting up the pressure and continuing to grind out tough defensive possessions, even as our lead continued to grow," said UAA head coach Rusty Osborne, whose team forced 18 turnovers and held HPU to 6-of-20 shooting from long range. "Tonight was another big step forward for a team that is just getting used to playing together. Hopefully we can come out tomorrow with a similar effort against an extremely talented Chaminade club."

Trailing 4-0 after the opening minute, the Seawolves answered with a 10-2 run, taking the lead for good on a layup by David Riley at the 15:29 mark. UAA continued to stretch its advantage for the rest of the half as Bevens nailed a three-pointer for a 32-20 edge with 4:24 on the clock, and the hosts would lead by double figures the rest of the way.

The Seawolves extended their largest advantage to 66-30 when Bevens nailed another trey midway through the second half. A Preseason All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference selection, Bevens followed his school-record 8-of-9 three-point effort in Friday's win over Coast Guard by going 5 of 11 from deep against HPU. He also dished four assists to tie senior guard Tyrus Hosley and starting point guard DeAndre Osuigwe for game-high honors.

Meanwhile, Pantovic – a transfer from Utah State-Eastern – shot 7 of 9 from the field and nabbed a game-high seven rebounds, along with two blocks and two assists.

The Seawolves finish the Alaska/Hawaii Challenge with another West Region contest against another Honolulu program, meeting Chaminade (1-0) at 7:15 p.m. Sunday at the Alaska Airlines Center. Chaminade defeated Alaska Fairbanks 90-64 in the Alaska/Hawaii Challenge's first game earlier Saturday.

For UAA tickets, visit AlaskaAirlinesCenter.com.