Hawaii Baptist holds off Waimea to reach Division II title game

Greg Yamamoto | SL

For the first time since 2022 the Eagles are headed back to the 'ship.

Hawaii Baptist took down a scrappy Waimea squad, 42-30, setting up an Division II title bout with league rival Hanalani.

The Eagles saw an 18-7 second quarter lead evaporate to just four at the half before eventually pulling away in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a steal turned breakaway layup by Ally-Ann Low with 1:31 left in regulation that caused the bench to erupt in celebration.

"I just knew I needed to make a play for my team," said Low of the play. "That's what got us more energy to win the game."

That play, coupled with Lamblack's shooting at the free throw line, all but doomed any chance at a comeback by Waimea.

"I know that I'm pretty good at free throws, so I just know that when it comes down to us in the bonus, I got to get that ball no matter what," said Lamblack, who made 7 of 8 attempts at the charity stripe, all of them coming in the fourth.

Foul trouble plagued both teams, in a game that was both physical in nature and defensively slanted, but the Eagles gambled that racheted up pressure would pay dividends, to the tune of six steals in the second half and 11 in total for Hawaii Baptist.

"Whenever we're not picking up the pace on defense it doesn't lead to baskets, so we need to get that defensive energy first and take some risks like our coach says, even if that means going steal and you don't get it, usually it can lead to fast break opportunities," said Lamblack.

Waimea recorded eight steals of its own in the contest and actually outrebounded the Eagles, 37-24.

"They were a lot more physical than us, but we tried to stay right there with them (in physicality), even though we're not used to it," said Low.

Free throws, as mentioned, played a big role for each side. The Menehunes made just 7 of 17 from the charity stripe, while the Eagles connected on 15 of 23, good for an eight point differential.

Hawaii Baptist has lost both meetings against Hanalani this season, which also represent the only two league losses for the Eagles as well.