HONOLULU, Hawaii - The Gallaudet University men's basketball team tussled with Oglethorpe University here Monday in the Hoops in Hawaii Holiday Classic presented by Outrigger Resorts and Hotels.
Gallaudet (1-9) traded the lead with the Stormy Petrels several times in the second half before Oglethorpe (4-5) used an 11-2 run to get some breathing room. The Bison got to within two points, 63-61, with 1:51 left in regulation before the Stormy Petrels made their free throws to ice the game, 69-64, in the Hawaii Convention Center. This was the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Oglethorpe is located in Brookhaven, Ga., and is a member of the Southern Athletic Association (SAA).
The Bison made 14 field goals in the second half as they shot 46.67 percent from the floor and were a perfect 7-for-7 at the free-throw line. Junior guard Rory Lewis (Frederick, Md.) led the Bison with 20 points, six rebounds and one assist. Lewis made four 3-pointers to lead GU and for his efforts today and yesterday he was selected to the all-tournament team.
Sophomore guard Malosi Viena (Waipahu, Hawaii) added 10 points, six rebounds and two steals as he played before family and friends. Fellow Hawaiian, sophomore forward Brandon Chung (Kahului, Hawaii) scored five points, passed out four assists and grabbed two boards in 23 minutes of play before he fouled out with four minutes left.
Sophomore forward Blessed Mbogo (Silver Spring, Md.) came off the bench and delivered when Chung was on the bench. Mbogo scored a career best 13 points as he made 5 of 6 shots, including going 2-for-3 from 3-point range.
Oglethorpe was led by Ryan Jenei and Uba Ezigbo who scored 16 and 14 points, respectively, in the win.
GU took a quick 3-0 lead to begin the game as Viena drained a 3-pointer to start things off. Jenei responded with back-to-back 3-pointers to take a 6-5 advantage just over three minutes in. The Stormy Petrels held the lead before GU knotted the game at 19 apiece at the 6:51 mark before the half. Oglethorpe would take a 28-25 lead into intermission.
UP NEXT
Gallaudet will return to the United States mainland this week and the team will disperse for Winter Break before coming back for the New Year to prepare for United East Conference play. The Bison will travel to New York the first weekend of January for two away conference games. GU (0-1 United East) will begin the trip on Friday, Jan. 6, at Wells College (5-5, 0-1 United East) in Aurora, N.Y., for a 7 p.m. game.
