By Wes Nakama

Despite missing 17 free throws on 8-for-25 shooting from the line, ‘Iolani held on to defeat Westside Christian (Tigard, Ore.), 35-32, Friday evening at Radford’s James Alegre Invitational.

Junior center Mana Lau Kong scored 17 points and the Raiders outscored the Eagles 11-1 in the third period to improve to 4-1.

Westside Christian used an early 8-1 run to take a 13-6 lead on Dax Hanzlik’s 3-pointer one minute into the second period, but ‘Iolani responded with a 9-4 surge to close it to 17-15 on Luke Tobin’s bank shot at the halftime buzzer.

The Raiders then held the Eagles without a field goal in the third period, and took a 26-18 lead going into the fourth. ‘Iolani led, 30-20, after Ayden Goo’s putback with 6:09 remaining, but Westside Christian answered with an 8-2 run to close it to 32-28 after Will Flicker’s two free throws with 2:51 on the clock.

Lau Kong made one of two free throws with 7.5 ticks left to push the lead to 35-30, and the Raiders allowed Flicker to score an uncontested layup as time expired.

Hanlik scored a team-high 15 points and Flicker added 13 points for the Eagles, who made all eight of their free throws.    

‘Iolani will close out the tournament against Lahainaluna at 1:45 p.m. Saturday.

Photos: Lori McKeown

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