Life’s a Beach for Chapman in Hawaii

Thanks to a three-year fund-raising effort, the Chapman men’s basketball team is taking a trip to Hawaii for two games next week.

The Panthers (10-5) won’t be doing much relaxing, however. Coach Mike Bokosky said he is scheduling two practices a day. The team will be staying on the North Shore, away from the temptation of Honolulu’s night life.

“I want to keep them busy and tired,” Bokosky said, “so hopefully they’ll stay out of trouble.”

Chapman’s opponents on the court should be tough. They play Brigham Young Hawaii, ranked third in the NAIA, and Chaminade.

“If we can’t come back with two wins,” Bokosky said, “maybe I at least can come back with a tan.”

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Women’s basketball: Chapman seems to have shaken its inconsistent start. The Panthers (6-3) have won four in a row, and Coach Mary Hegarty said defense has been the key.

Chapman beat Wheaton (Ill.), ranked 13th in NCAA Division III, 79-75, Tuesday. “Our defense was just really solid,” Hegarty said. “We were just outstanding on defense. The Wheaton coach said we were definitely the best defensive team they had faced all year and that was nice to hear.”

The Panthers have a couple of tests on the horizon. They play at Azusa Pacific Saturday and host Whittier and UC San Diego, Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Add Panthers: When April Abeyta took the court for Chapman on Dec. 31 against College of New Jersey, the freshman center became the first player 6 feet tall to play for Panthers in Hegarty’s four seasons as coach.

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More women’s basketball: Concordia begins Golden State Athletic Conference play Tuesday at defending champion Fresno Pacific. The Eagles (11-4) are coming off a 67-50 loss to Holy Names Tuesday.