Punahou rolls Saint Louis on Senior Night, 54-32


On Senior Night, Punahou took care of business by crushing the visiting Saint Louis Crusaders, 54-32.

Senior guard Nick Velasquez led Punahou with 18 points and hit three 3 pointers.

Punahou jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the first quarter after a 3 pointer and a pair of free throws by Velasquez. Saint Louis's Jimmy Nunuha III tied it up at 7 after making the basket and converting the free throw. Punahou led, 11-7 after the first quarter.

The Buffanblu went on a 10-2 run to start the second quarter to go up, 21-9. Saint Louis managed to cut the deficit to 10, but could not get any closer. Saint Louis's Nate Mantanona drove and laid it up before the buzzer sounded to trail, 26-15.

In the third quarter, Punahou never let up and blew the game wide open with a 12-4 run. Punahou's Blake Lyon hit a jumpshot to put the Buffanblu up, 40-25. The gym erupted in cheers, as this was his first game back from a serious injury that sidelined him for a significant amount of time. His teammates wore special t-shirts during warmups commemorating his return.

In the fourth quarter, Punahou was able to build a 20 point lead and the reserves from both teams got playing time.

Saint Louis's Robert Sawinski led the Crusaders with 9 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Punahou plays a big game at 'Iolani next week Wednesday (2/5) 6 PM while Saint Louis visits Mid-Pacific on Friday (2/1) at 6 p.m.



Reach Brandon Ching at [email protected].