Top seeded Punahou broke open a close game early in the second quarter and went on to a convincing 59-41 victory over Baldwin in a semifinal game of the HHSAA Boys' Basketball Tournament at Blaisdell Arena.

Leading only 11-10 with 7:33 left in the first half, ILH champion Punahou (26-2) outscored the Bears 24-6 to take a 35-16 halftime lead and never was threatened again.

In the decisive first half, Punahou made 15 of 29 field goals, including 5 of 10 three pointers and had assists on 11 of their 15 baskets. The Buffanblu had 10 steals and only 4 turnovers, compared to 12 for Baldwin. Platooning two units, 10 players saw at least 7 and no more than 9 minutes of action.

"We are 10 deep, that is our strength", said Punahou coach Darren Matsuda, "it wears down the other team." It also helped to keep the winners out of foul trouble, despite committing 20 personals compared to only 9 for Baldwin.

In the opening quarter, Punahou made only 4 field goals, but 3 of them were from beyond the arc "They were in a zone. We anticipated they would pack it in. I told the shooters to shoot well." They did that and more.

Highlight reel performances were turned in by Nick Velasquez, who scored 17 points on 6 of 8 fleld goals, including 5 of 6 three pointers and 4 assists, DeForest Buckner with 10 points, including an NBA-quality slam dunk, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks, and Sean Gruebner with 10 points, 4 steals, and one trip down the floor without a shoe.

Among those who were impressed was Baldwin coach Wayne Gushiken. "They are a scoring machine, inside, outside. We ran into a juggernaut tonight. They have athletes and they know what they are doing. I was proud that we didn't give up in the second half."

In fact, the MIL champion and #4 seed Baldwin (25-4) outscored Punahou 25-24 in the second half. Baldwin was led by Gabriel Ross with 17 points and 3 steals. No other Bears player scored more than 5 points.

Despite a height disadvantage, Baldwin out-rebounded Punahou 31-26. Baldwin shot 14 or 40 (35%) from the field.

Punahou ended the night with 25-49 (51%) from the field, including 7 three-pointers. The Buffanblu, who did not go to the free throw line until 3:05 remaining in the third quarter, made 2 of 4 free throws, compared to Baldwin's 11 of 21.

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