The BYU–Hawaii men’s basketball team celebrated Thanksgiving by winning back-to-back games in two nights. The Seasiders followed up a close overtime win against California State San Marcos (88-86) with a calmer victory against Chapman University (98-82).
Junior guard Cory Lange had the hot hand against Chapman, leading the Seasiders with 22 points off of 88.8 percent shooting from the field. Senior center Ian Harward also had a good game inside with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Senior forward Scott Friel had a great all-around game with 8 points, 9 rebounds, and8 assists.
Three-pointers by Lange, Justin Yamzon, and Tanner Nelson spurred the Seasiders to an 11-2 run, a lead they would hold throughout the rest of the game. The Seasiders got a, 18 point lead (41-23), before Chapman made a 10-3 run to close the gap to 11 going into halftime. The Seasiders maintained the lead throughout the second half, giving a chance to get some players off the bench. The Seasider’s bench had a huge night, as they combined to outscore Chapman’s bench 30-17.
“It was good to get everyone a chance to play,” said Head Coach Ken Wagner. “I thought we played well, and it’s always good to get the win.” With the boost from the bench the Seasiders cruised to the 98-82 win.
The story was different the night before against Cal. State San Marcos. After a back-and-forth battle throughout the entire game, junior point guard Yasmin hit a clutch 3-pointer with time running out to send the game into overtime.
“Time was just running down and we needed a 3. I just tried to make a move and get the shot off,” said Yamzon, an exercise science major from Nevada. “I was pumped because I thought the shot was long.”
Harward was big for the Seasiders as he hit a jumper and two free-throws to ice the game, 88-86. Harward finished the game with a double-double, 20 points and 10 rebounds.
“It is always great to win games like this,” said Harward, a senior supply chain management major from Orem, Utah. “Winning hard-fought games like these can help boost a team’s confidence going forward.”
Additionally, Friel led all players with 30 points and made 12-of-16 free throws, says BYUH Sports Information. With the two wins, the Seasiders improve to 3-2 on the season. The Seasiders will now go on the road to face UH-Hilo in their conference opener.