BYUH beats national champs

Lucas Alves had game highs of 27 points and 12 rebounds as Brigham Young-Hawaii knocked off NCAA Division II defending national champion Winona State 78-76 last night in Laie.

Jermaine Odjegba added 12 points and Trenson Akana chipped in 11, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 4 minutes, 47 seconds remaining to give the Seasiders a 69-68 lead.

Ben Fischer hit two free throws to pull the Warriors to 77-76 with 20 seconds left. After Akana missed a free throw, WSU had a chance to win, but Fischer turned the ball over with 4 seconds left.

Alves finished 8-for-14 from the field and 11-for-14 from the charity stripe for his 27 points. The Seasiders prevailed in their season opener despite 26 turnovers.

Clay wins Jesse Owens Award

Olympic gold medalists Bryan Clay and Stephanie Brown Trafton were named winners of the 2008 Jesse Owens Award by USA Track and Field yesterday.

Clay, a Castle High graduate, won the decathlon gold medal at the 2008 Olympics. He was also dominant indoors, winning the 2008 World Indoor Championship heptathlon gold medal.

“;I have always regarded Jesse Owens with the highest respect for his accomplishments in the 1936 Olympics,”; Clay said. “;To be selected to receive this award and having my name associated with the legendary Jesse Owens is a great honor and a humbling experience. I am grateful, appreciative and truly humbled to have been chosen for such an esteemed award.”;

PACWEST PLACE

Sea Warriors drop hoops opener

Hawaii Pacific freshman Mana Hopkins scored 28 points in her collegiate debut, but it went for naught as the Sea Warriors lost their women's basketball home opener to Arkansas-Monticello 90-75 last night.

HPU closed to 57-54 before the Blossoms put the game away with a 33-21 run.

The Lady Sea Warriors return to action Saturday against Whitworth at 6:30 p.m. at McKinley High School