Hawaii Pacific Holds On for NAIA Title

Lemar Young scored 24 points and David Smith made four free throws in the final 43 seconds Monday night, lifting Hawaii Pacific past top-seeded Oklahoma Baptist, 88-83, in the title game of the NAIA tournament.

With the Sea Warriors leading 83-75, Oklahoma Baptist sliced the lead to 83-81 with 1:06 remaining on a short jumper by Mark Moore, a steal and layup by Moore and a layup by Darrell Barnett off another Hawaii Pacific turnover.

But Smith’s four free throws helped the Sea Warriors (30-4) pull away to a victory and become the first Hawaiian team ever to win a national basketball championship.

Robert Powell scored 24 points for Oklahoma Baptist (34-4).