HONOLULU-It was a close game throughout during Saturday's rematch as Academy of Art (4-11, 2-7 PacWest) was out outdueled 79-72 by the Hawaii Pacific Sharks (11-4, 6-2 PacWest).
 
It was a back-and-forth first half as neither team lead by more than five points and the lead was exchanged four separate times.
 
It seemed as if HPU was destined for a big offensive half as both of their first scores came courtesy of the three-point play. ART U was able to shut them down however, holding them to a 35.5 percent field goal percentage in the first period.
 
The Urban Knights' defense was strong as a whole in the first, forcing seven turnovers and rebounding 20 shots (15 on defense). Head coach Julius Barnes reiterated this point by noting:
 
"Our focus and intensity was evident, especially in the first half. Our rotations were crisp and we did a good job of limiting them to one shot."
 
Academy of Art also looked strong from behind the three-point arc as well, going 4-for-7 for a 57.1 percent three-point field goal percentage.
 
When the buzzer sounded to end the half, both teams headed to the locker room, tied at 28.
 
The second half proved to be even closer than the first, featuring 14 lead changes (18 overall).
 
After Jordan Martin landed a quick 3-pointer for Hawaii Pacific in their first possession, the Urban Knights would go on a 7-0 run, led by sophomore guard Jase Harrison's four points to give ART U a 35-31 lead.
 
After said run, neither side would lead by more than six points until the Sharks took the lead for the final time with 5:39 remaining in the game.
 
The Urban Knights were able to keep it close thanks in part to several offensive contributors. Harrison scored a career-high 28 points (8-for-14) along with four rebounds and eight consecutive free throws in the second half. Junior guard Chris Salas had a big night as well, going 7-for-10 (17 points) with three rebounds.
 
"It was great to see [Harrison] and [Salas] score the ball they way did," said Barnes. "I think their teammates recognized that they were feeling it and did a tremendous job of getting them the ball. I was also glad to see [sophomore guard Uchenna Okeneme] distribute the ball and end the game with five assists."
 
Okeneme also contributed two points and one steal as a starter.
 
ART U will finish their Hawaiian tour on Tuesday as they head to Laie, Hawaii to face the third-place BYU-Hawaii Seasiders. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. HT (9:30 p.m. PT).