HILO, Hawaii – Despite another strong scoring performance by Claire Dingus and Saniah Simpson-Patu, along with Bria Thames' 15 rebounds, a late fourth quarter charge by Vulcans lifted Hawaii Hilo to a 71-62 victory.
 
Thames set a career-high with her 15 rebounds, while Dingus continued to prove to be a threat for a double-double on a nightly basis, ending with 18 points and seven rebounds. Another being named the GNAC Player of the Week, Simpson-Patu rounded out her trip to Hawaii with 17 points, four rebounds, and three steals. However, 24 Saints' turnovers, and Alyssa Movchan's 23 points were too much to overcome.
 
The Saints began the game on an 10-0 run before Hawaii Hilo managed to storm all the back by the end of the quarter, tying the score at 13-13. All 13 points for the Saints came inside the arc, with the final three coming at the free throw line.
 
The Vulcans took their first lead of the game with a layup by Movchan, before quickly growing to seven points. Saint Martin's was able to pull the game within one possession multiple times and Rebekah Baugh hit both attempts at the line to send the game to half with a score of 26-24, in favor of UHH.
 
SMU tied the game out of the break on baskets by Simpson-Patu, by the tide swung back to the Vulcans. Hawaii Hilo went on an 11-1 run to gain the first sizable lead of the game. Megan Nilsson provided offense in the final possessions of the quarter and SMU pull back to within six entering the final 10 minutes.
 
The run continued into the fourth quarter, with Saint Martin's able to tie the game once again at 50-50 with 8:22 left. Dingus capped off the impressive start to the quarter with four straight points, and put SMU on top 55-52. The final six minutes of the game, the momentum was all with the Vulcans, as Hawaii Hilo outscored the Saints 19-7 to secure the victory.
 
As a team, Saint Martin's finished 19-for-51 (37.3 percent) from the field, 4-for-14 (28.6 percent) beyond the arc, and 20-for-27 (74.1 percent) at the free throw line. The Saints grabbed 42 rebounds, recorded six assists on 24 turnovers, along with seven steals and one block.
 
The next game for the Saints is on New Year's Day, with SMU reopening GNAC action against Seattle Pacific at home at 7:00 p.m.