PHOTO COURTESY OF PIERRE TOSTEE Wild-card Myles Padaca takes a ride during his heat in the first round of the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach. Hawaii's Padaca placed second in the heat to advance to the second round, where he will face ASP ratings leader C.J. Hobgood.

Garcia, Irons on to Round 2

All nine contenders for the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour championship advanced into the second round yesterday at the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach.

Defending world champion Sunny Garcia and Andy Irons were among the contenders who made the cut.

Hawaii's Garcia, who must win the event to retain his world crown, and Myles Padaca finished first and second in their heat to remain in the event.

"When I was paddling in I was a nervous wreck," Garcia said. "You can't hear the scores and I saw Myles get really good waves, and (Australian) Joel (Parkinson) got two really good ones, too, so I wasn't sure what was going on.

"I'm just happy I made it through," he said. "I'd like to win another world title, but even if I don't end up having a shot at that, I'd like to win the event."

Said Padaca: "That first heat had two of the best surfers in the world, so I was kind of nervous. Good to get that one under the belt."

The $250,000 event, which had been postponed for four days, took place in 4-to-5 foot surf.

Current ratings leader CJ Hobgood helped eliminate Hawaii's Kekoa Bacalso. No. 3 Cory Lopez ousted Hawaii's Shane Dorian.

In the second round, Garcia faces Australian Mick Fanning, Irons takes on Brazilian Renan Rocha and Padaca meets Hobgood. Also, Hawaii's Kalani Robb is matched against American Pat O'Connell.

Late jumper sends Seasiders to road victory

Freshman guard Yuta Tabuse nailed a 17-foot jumper with 4.7 seconds left to give Brigham Young-Hawaii a 74-73 win over host Alaska-Anchorage.

The Seawolves (0-5) led the entire game -- including 72-61 with six minutes left -- until Tabuse's final shot.

Alexus Foyle led all scorers with 28 points, with seven coming in the final six minutes. Kelii Naihe added 12 points for BYUH (6-2), which doesn't play again until Dec. 11.

Peter Bullock had 16 points and 12 rebounds for Anchorage.

Falcons drub visiting Sea Warriors in hoops

No. 16 Seattle Pacific routed Hawaii Pacific 86-56 last night in Seattle.

The Falcons (4-1) led by 39-26 at halftime and put the game away with a 13-2 run. Yusef Aziz had 15 points and eight rebounds for Seattle Pacific.

Nick Spajic scored 24 points for the Sea Warriors (3-3), and drained five 3-pointers.

K5 gearing up for Hawaii-BYU with show

Hawaii and Brigham Young continue their football rivalry on Saturday at Aloha Stadium after a two-year break.

To gear up for the game, K5 will air a half-hour special, "Rivalry Renewed" on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The show, live from Murphy's Bar & Grill, will highlight past clashes between the long-time rivals. Jim Leahey and Russell Yamanoha will also have interviews with UH players and fans.

Riley Wallace headlines QB Club luncheon

Hawaii basketball coach Riley Wallace, football coaches Kevin Lempa and Wes Suan, and Hawaii-Hilo volleyball coach Sharon Peterson will speak at tomorrow's Quarterback Club luncheon.

Lunch at the Pagoda's International Ballroom starts at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon.

Wallace has guided the Rainbows to a 5-1 start this year. Peterson was the Sportsperson of the Month for October.

For more information, call Al Minn at 261-5143.