HPU rolls into title game with 88-74 victory over Dixie State in semifinals

AZUSA, Calif. – Skye Savini totaled 23 points and Susannah Walmsley added 15 as #1 Hawaii Pacific defeated #4 Dixie State 88-74 on Friday, March 8, in the semifinals of the inaugural Pacific West Conference Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament.

The Sea Warriors will play for the PacWest Conference Tournament Championship and the automatic berth in the NCAA Division II National Championship on Saturday, March 9, at 4:30 p.m. PST against #3 Academy of Art. The Urban Knights bounced #2 Grand Canyon 60-58 in overtime.

Video streaming of the title game will begin at 4:20 p.m. PST.

The PacWest Women’s and Men’s Basketball Championship Tournaments are being held concurrently at Azusa Pacific University’s Felix Event Center in Azusa, Calif.

HPU jumped to a 41-25 halftime lead after shooting 44.7% (17 for 38) from the field and 66.7% (6 for 9) from beyond the arc. The Red Storm shot just 37.0% (10 for 27) from the field in the opening 20 minutes.

Mikela Thoemmes also reached twin-figures for the Sea Warriors, scoring 13 points while also collecting a team-high seven rebounds.

Johnna Brown led Dixie State with 20 points on 7 of 9 shooting. Erica Hayes posted 11 points and Kaylah Miller totaled 14.

Hawaii Pacific improves to 19-6 on the season, while Dixie State ends the year at 15-13.