Punahou came out on top against Radford on Day 3 of the James Alegre Basketball lnvitational. James Taras scored a game-high 17 points for the Buff ‘N Blue, who led 17-9 after one period, 34-15 at halftime and 53-22 entering the fourth.

Taras, a 6-foot-5 senior, played in mostly a support role last season but Friday night scored effectively in the paint and also swished two 3-pointers — one from the left corner and the other from beyond the top of the key.

“He put in a lot of work last summer on his body and in his game, and I think it’s paying off for him,” Punahou coach Darren Matsuda said. 

Despite the victory, and a 76-43 win over Westside Christian on Thursday, Matsuda said the Buff ‘N Blue (2-1) are just getting into game rhythm and shape after a late start. Several key players were on the football team which ended its season just two weeks ago. Punahou lost its basketball opener to Leilehua, 61-59, on Wednesday.

“These are our first games, and we have a lot of work to do,” Matsuda said. 

Caden Williams scored 15 points to lead Radford, which fell to 2-3.

Photos: Lori McKeown

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