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POSTED: Saturday, January 31, 2009

Despite squandering a 10-point lead with 5 minutes, 46 seconds to play in regulation, No. 8 Saint Louis held on for an 84-77 upset of No. 1 'Iolani last night in a key Interscholastic League of Honolulu basketball game at McCabe Gym.

The Crusaders dealt the Raiders their first league loss and improved to 4-2 in ILH play in their third straight conference win. Dean Viena led Saint Louis with 25 points, and the senior forward paced the home team's offensive attack that consistently beat 'Iolani's swarming defense.

“;One thing about 'Iolani is that they're relentless with pressure,”; said Saint Louis coach Dwight Moniz. “;I'm very proud of these kids and my coaching staff. This is a big game, and we played strong. The kids deserve all the credit for this win.”;

The Raiders (6-1) overcame the 10-point deficit thanks to a 20-10 run that allowed 'Iolani to tie the game at 71 with 1:42 to play. After both squads traded buckets, Saint Louis guard Lucas Gonsalves was fouled, but missed two free throws with 1:01 left. Each squad missed a 3-point shot that could have won the game and the teams went into overtime tied at 73.

The Crusaders regained the momentum in OT, however, after allowing four points in the extra period. Viena capped the victory with a layup and converted the free throw after he was fouled to ice the win.

“;This is a great momentum builder for my team—it's very soothing to have a big one like this,”; said Moniz, whose squad fell to 'Iolani, 70-50, in the squads' first meeting on Jan. 6. “;We're looking forward to the second half of our season. We're starting to jell, and find our niche.”;

Saint Louis could have wrapped up the victory if it had shot more accurately from the charity stripe, as the Crusaders converted just 24 of its 43 free-throw attempts. However, Moniz was proud of how his squad converted seven free throws in overtime to preserve the win.

“;Free throws come with gym time, but we've been working on it in practice,”; said Moniz.

Pablo Warner dropped in a game-high 31 points and was instrumental in the Raiders' comeback, with nine points in the fourth period. Kainoa Chu chipped in 28 points for 'Iolani, including five 3-pointers.

Saint Louis never trailed in the first half. Viena scored the squad's first six points, as the forward continually found room in the paint for high-percentage layups. It was Viena's 3-pointer that put the Crusaders up 12-9 with 1:20 to play in the opening quarter, and the senior forward finished the half with 12 points.

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'Iolani (6-1)	15	13	19	26	4	—	77
Saint Louis (4-2)	16	19	18	20	11	—	84

'IOLANI—Andrew Skalman 3, Reid Saito 0, Jarrett Arakawa 9, John Foy 0, Kainoa Chu 28, Brandon Ball 1, Kainoa Scheer 2, Nicholas Christman 0, Josiah Sukumaran 3, Pablo Warner 31.

SAINT LOUIS—Lucas Gonsalves 11, Marucs Umu 15, Joey Bryant 0, Micah McClinton 10, Dean Viena 25, Mika Wong 4, Jordan Ilagan 7, Michael Tuiloma 12.

3-point goals—'Iolani 8 (Chu 5, Warner 2, Skalman), Saint Louis 2 (Umu, Viena).

  Division II
Punahou 62, Island Pacific Academy 20

Saint Louis 68, Kamehameha 54

Leading scorers—Pun: Thurston Kino, Nicholas Kido 9. IPA: London Amorin 8. StL: Laakea Frias 13. Kam: Kepoo Noa 13.

Division II
Varsity girls
Kamehameha 50, Punahou 49

Leading scorers—Pun: Hilary Nakaya 15. KS: Briauna Bissen 10, Kyndall Moi-Simeona 10.