HONOLULU, Hawaii – The CSUSB men's basketball team experienced a mixed outcome in the 2023 Hoops in Hawai'i Holiday Classic, suffering a defeat followed by a victory.
In 2018, the Hoops in Hawaii Classic introduced an elite field featuring eight DII Men's teams, six of which went on to qualify for the NCAA National Tournament. The Yotes previously competed in the 2022 Hoops in Hawaiʻi Thanksgiving Classic. This year, they participated in the Holiday Classic alongside formidable teams such as Chaminade University (HI), Dubuque University (IA), Knox College (IL).
The Yotes started with a tough 71-82 loss against the Sharks but bounced back against the Seawolves with a 70-64 triumph. This split weekend has elevated the Yotes' overall record to 8-2.
Chris Mitchell, Sedrick Altman, and LeAndrew Knight were instrumental in the weekend's outcome, contributing crucial points to secure the Yotes' success.
THE YOTES LOSE TO PACWEST OPPONENT HAWAII PACIFIC 71-82
Despite
Chris Mitchell's outstanding 28-point performance, it was not enough for the Yotes to secure victory against the home team, Hawaii Pacific on Sunday night.
The game commenced with the Sharks taking an early lead, scoring 12 points in the first 5 minutes. Despite the Yotes' efforts to narrow the gap, the Sharks' solid shooting and a technical foul by Altman put the Yotes at a disadvantage.
Jalen Flanagan managed a successful jumper with only 3 seconds left in the half, reducing the deficit to 8 points, resulting in a halftime score of 33-41.
The second half started with a three-pointer by
Chris Mitchell and a layup by
LeAndrew Knight.
Chris Mitchell achieved a personal best as a Yote with 28 points, shooting 8-for-14 from the field and 4-for-8 from beyond the arc. He also contributed 4 rebounds, 1 block, and 2 steals.
LeAndrew Knight also had an excellent shooting game, putting up 11 points and going 5-for-7 from the field and making 5 rebounds.
The Sharks' precise shooting, led by Melo Sanchez's 31 points (8-for-14 from the field and 5-for-9 from beyond the arc), proved to be the decisive factor. Overall, the Sharks shot 25-for-46 from the field, 54.3%, and 8-for-16 from beyond the arc, 50%.
The Sharks compiled two 41-point halves, securing a victory with a final score of 71-82.
THE YOTES REBOUND AGAINST THE SEAWOLVES, WINNING 70-64 IN THE HOOPS IN HAWAII CLASSIC
The No. 9 Yotes bounced back from their loss to Hawaii Pacific with a decisive 70-64 victory over Alaska Anchorage on Monday night. The Yotes' record now stands at 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the CCAA.
The Seawolves had an energetic start, going on an 8-0 run in the first 4 minutes of the game.
Chris Mitchell broke the scoreless streak with a jumper, and
Sedrick Altman continued the scoring with four successful free throws in a row.
Sedrick Altman led the Yotes in scoring with 16 points, shooting 3-for-8 from the field and 9-for-11 from the free throw line.
Robby Robinson fell one rebound short of a fifth double-double, scoring 12 points and securing 9 rebounds, 5 of them defensive.
Overall, the Yotes dominated the rebounding battle, winning 37-27, including 17 offensive boards.
At halftime, the Yotes trailed 33-38.
The second half saw the Yotes scoring the first six points to claim their first lead.
LeAndrew Knight's inside bucket gave the Yotes a 47-42 lead with 14:03 left, but the Seawolves responded just 23 seconds later. The game remained a one-possession affair until the final minute.
The second half featured 10 ties and nine lead changes. The Seawolves claimed a 64-62 lead with 2:20 remaining, but they couldn't find another basket. Altman and Knight scored on CSUSB's next two chances, and
Robby Robinson made all four free throws in the final 25 seconds to secure victory for the Yotes.
The game concluded with the Yotes edging out the Seawolves 70-64.
