Box Score

HILO, HI – ZILIJAN JONES scored 20 points to lead St. Edward's past the University of Hawaii at Hilo 77-75 on Wednesday afternoon. The game completes the four games that the Hilltoppers played in Hawaii.
 
St. Edward's (10-6) took the early lead just 11 seconds into the contest by a SHIMEEK JOHNSON trey.  Hawaii-Hilo (1-8) quickly responded with a lay-up and free throw to tie the game at 3.
 
The teams exchanged shots until the Vulcans took advantage of missed three-point attempts by the Hilltopper to extend their lead to seven points, 15-8. St. Edward's responded with a run scoring six consecutive points to cut the lead to one-point, 15-14.
 
For the next four minutes of play, the Hilltoppers could not take the lead until JOHN RUTHERFORD connected on a jumper to give St. Edward's their first advantage since the opening three-pointer by SHIMEEK JOHNSON.
 
Jones swished a trey to put the Hilltoppers ahead 30-23 with 6:18 remaining. After a series of free throws that saw the St. Edward's lead fall to four points, Jones hit Johnson for a dunk that would increase the lead for the Hilltoppers 36-30 at the 2:44 mark. HARLEY NUSSMAN hit a jumper as time expired in the half to give the Hilltoppers a 42-34 advantage going into the locker room.
 
St. Edward's opened the second half with four straight points to see their lead increase to 12 points. They led Hawaii-Hilo 47-35 with 18:38 remaining. The Vulcans fought back and cut their deficit to just five points at the 15:25 mark of the second half.
 
The Hilltoppers again increased their lead to double digits with the help of a JEFF CAMPBELL three pointer. After that point, Hawaii-Hilo went on a 14-3 run to regain the lead 62-61 at the halfway point of the period. TYLER FOSTER knocked down a jumper to give the Hilltoppers the one point advantage.
 
Campbell knocked down another basket from beyond the arc to give St. Edward's a 72-68 lead with 4:16 remaining. The Vulcans were able to tie the game at 75 with 1:38 remaining in the second-half.
 
For the next minute, neither team was able to find the bottom of the hoop, until JAMES STUKES made a jumper of a SHIMEEK JOHNSON miss. The basket came with 29 seconds remaining.  The Vulcans got a look from beyond the arc but Kiel Myers couldn't connect and the Hilltoppers are leaving Hawaii 4-0.
 
“Clearly going 4-0 here in Hawaii is a tremendous accomplishment.” Head Coach Andre Cook said. “Hilo has been struggling this year and they were desperate for a win. The circumstances with a very slippery court were not ideal, but our guys persevered and I'm happy for them.”
 
Stukes finished with 14 points and Johnson finished with 13. Johnson also grabbed 8 eight rebounds. JEFF CAMPBELL contributed 11 points.
 
Coach Cook added to his comments, “This was a very special trip for our program. We were able to do some special things including a visit to Pearl Harbor. I hope this will be a trip they remember for the rest of their lives.”
 
The Hilltoppers return home on January 5 for a matchup against McMurry. Tip-off is set for 4:00 pm at the Recreational Convocation Center (RCC) on the St. Edward's campus. Live video and stats will be available through the Hilltopper website.