Fairfax roars past Mid-Pacific, 60-37

Fairfax's Jamal Hartwell puts up a jump shot against Mid-Pacific. Hartwell led the Lions with 14 points in the win over the Owls. CJ Caraang | SL

Fairfax (Los Angeles, Calif.) shook off a first quarter deficit and rallied to beat Mid-Pacific Institute, 60-37 in the nightcap of the opening round of the Iolani Classic on Friday night.

The Lions, who are making their fifteenth tournament appearance, will advance to the quarterfinals to play host Iolani at 8 p.m. The Owls drop to the consolation bracket to play Kaimuki.

Jamal Hartwell scored a team-high 14 points, Donald Gipson added 12 and Antoine Monroe chipped in nine (all 3-pointers) for the Lions.

The Lions jumped out to an 8-0 lead, but MPI stormed back to tie the game after Daniel Florenco's 3-pointer. The Owls took the lead after Major Davis hit a 3 from the right corner to make it 11-8. MPI led, 13-10 after the first quarter.

"I thought we started to play more solid and together. The other team did a good job and did what they had to do. It was a good first game for us and we ended up regrouping," said Fairfax coach Harvey Kitani.

"I think the one thing we wanted to focus on is playing hard and to work on things we need to do for the season. The fact the guys came out with no fear and play the game was so nice to see," said MPI coach Ryan Hirata. "We got guys flying all over the court and we worked together on offense and defense and got some 50/50 balls."

Isaiah Bowers tied the game at 13 and hit another 3 that reclaimed the lead for the Lions and they went on a 13-6 run to end the quarter to take a 28-19 lead going into halftime and never looked back.

Fairfax outscored MPI, 32-18 in the second half and were able to force 16 Owl turnovers for the game.

Logan Hutchinson led the team with 11 points, Zion Shepherd and Florenco added eight points each.

The Lions were able to use their size and athleticism and outrebounded the Owls, 42-24. They shot 17 of 27 (62.9 percent) inside the arc and went 24 of 58 from the field overall.

"We played harder after the first quarter. That was the thing, we come often and we see the teams playing hard to their potential and it makes it good," said Kitani.

Both coaches were grateful for the opportunity to play in the tournament.

"The thing we miss is the main man, Glenn Young. We miss him standing against the wall and sitting on the bench and he greets you at the airport," said Kitani.

"We want to thank Iolani and Glenn for it. Just the experience to learn is huge and it's going to help us down the line and we are thankful to be in this tournament," said Hirata.

Reach Brandon Ching at [email protected].