The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo basketball season ended with a 68-63 loss to Chaminade University in McCabe Gymnasium in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Both teams end the season at 15-12 overall and are tied at 7-5 in Pacific West Conference games and tied for third in the conference.

Joel Smith has 32 points for CUH

Honolulu, HI- The Swords finished off the season with a win, defeating Hawaii-Hilo 68-63. Joel Smith led the charge with 32 points, knocking down 7 three pointers in the win.

Chaminade got out to a big early lead, but the Vulcans charged back, cutting the lead to two at halftime.

The game was tight throughout the second half, but a key Rickey Clayborn block sealed the victory. Clayborn had 4 blocks on the evening. Darrell Birton added 15 points, while Noah Gottlieb added 9 assists in the win. Mohamed Tangara had 10 rebounds in his last game as a Sword.

The boards went to Chaminade 45-39. CUH knocked down 10 three’s on the night.

Jay DeMaestri led UH-Hilo with 15 points.

Chaminade finishes the year 15-12. Hawaii Hilo moves to 15-12. The Swords and Vulcans split 2-2 on the year.

The Swords have now had five winning seasons in a row.