University's Ryan Hobus goes up for a shot in the paint against Hawaii Baptist. Hobus poured in 25 points to lead the way for the Jr. Bows in the victory. Jim Lebeau | Special to SL

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12311528_UHS_vs_HBA_13a.jpg - Jim Lebeau | Special to SL

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MANOA — The battle between two different styles of basketball was won by the team that controlled the paint Wednesday night.

Ryan Hobus pounded out 25 points and Lachlan Macleod added 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists to help University top Hawaii Baptist, 73-53 in the Saint Francis Holiday Hoops Classic championship game.

University finished its preseason schedule with a 10-3 record and will take a four-game winning streak into its Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II opener against Christian Academy. 

"It was good and we had a lot of games," University coach Walter Quitan said on his team's non-league schedule. "We got to travel to Maui and we played some good teams. We're a little deeper this year so we got to play and experiment a little. Hopefully we'll be ready next week." 

The Jr. Bows' final tune-up game before the regular season gave them a test against an up-tempo, run-and-gun Hawaii Baptist offense that loves to shoot it from outside the arc. The fast pace of the game saw the two teams combine for 119 total shot attempts. 

While the Eagles (11-3) tried to light it up from distance, the Jr. Bows went inside for most of their shot opportunities. With Macleod and Anson Canencia (seven points, six assists) attacking the paint and being crafty with the bounce pass, University was able to negate the power of the 3-point shot.

Hobus was the beneficiary of the Jr. Bows' efficient offense, converting on 12 of his 14 shot attempts. His performance was a big reason why University was able to shoot over 50 percent from the field (29 of 56). 

The Jr. Bows also outrebounded the Eagles, 48 to 33.

"When we have the size advantage we definitely want to take advantage of that and get the ball down low," said Quitan. "That's what I told them, we should be trying to get the ball in the lane every single time — and don't settle for jump shots." 

On the other hand Hawaii Baptist's guard-heavy lineup shot at a dismal 23.8 percent (15 of 63) from the field. The Eagles had 48 total shot attempts from 3-point land, knocking down just 12 of their tries. 

University was able to jump out to an 18-7 first quarter lead and never looked back, leading by as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter. 

"We played a great team," Hawaii Baptist coach George Weeks said on University. "There's a reason why they have the record that they do and there's a reason why they won this tournament. Coach Walt (Quitan) always does a good job. They're senior heavy and are always a challenge to play."

Micah Mitchell led the Eagles' effort with 25 points on six triples.