The University of Hawaii Hilo women's basketball team recently triumphed over nationally ranked No. 5 Alaska Anchorage.
The Vulcans won in thrilling fashion pulling off a 76-73 upset in overtime and now improve to 5-2, according to a press release. The Alaska Anchorage Seawolves went into the game undefeated with an eight-game winning streak, but now fall down to 8-1.
"Proud of this team. Shorthanded, undersized, but no excuses. They find ways to win. Big win for @HiloVulcans," Josh Pacheco wrote in a Dec. 19 Twitter post.
By the halfway mark of the game, the Seawolves led by 36-30, but Jazzpher Evans managed to bring the game to a 64-64 tie in the fourth quarter with just less than two minutes remaining in the game. Incredible defense by both teams kept those final moments scoreless and forced the game into overtime.
During the overtime period, both teams went back and fourth until the Vulcan's Kawaha sisters successfully landed two back-to-back shots to take a 76-73 lead. With 13 seconds left on the clock, the Seawolves unsuccessfully tried a three-point shot and the Vulcans finished out the game winning 76-73.
The Vulcans rallied and took five steals by five different players with Mandi Kawaha, Samayoa-Mathis, Mindy Kawaha, Ravelo and Cavaletto all pocketing one steal each. Mandi Kawaha led the team in scoring with 21 points and six assists.
The Vulcans will next return to action to face the University of Biola Eagles on Monday, Jan. 10.