Kahuku holds off fourth-seed Pearl City to advance, 42-41


Leighlani Paselio puts up a shot attempt over a Pearl City defender. Eugene Tanner | SL
Mata Tonga's layup with 5.1 seconds lifted the unseeded Red Raiders to a win 42-41 win over the never-say-die Chargers.

Pearl City, the fourth seed, played Kahuku to a 22-all tie after two quarters of play, but trailed by 2 points after three quarter, and fell behind by as many as 8 points with just under 2 minutes to play.

Seemingly undeterred, the Chargers came roaring back with their backs to the wall, closing the gap and eventually taking a lead, 41-40, on Sabrina Angle's three-pointer with just under 25 seconds to play.

On the ensuing Kahuku possession, Fia Latu weaved her way through the lane and found Tonga wide open under the rim for the go-ahead basket with just over 5 ticks left on the clock.

Following a timeout, Sabrina Angle drove the ball down the length of court, but collided with a number of Kahuku players and never got a shot off as time expired.

Sabrina and Shawna Angle combined for 23 points and 5 three-pointers to lead the Chargers.

Kahuku, who will face top-seed Konawaena in tomorrow's 7 p.m. semifinal at Neal Blaisdell Center, got a game-high 15 points from forward Leighlani Paselio.