CHICO, Calif-  Sonoma State overcame a sluggish first half to earn a 70-58 season opening win over Hawaii Pacific at the Mac Martin Tournament in Chico.  The Seawolves shot 70% in a second half in which they outscored the Sea Warriors 51-30.  Andrew Kochevar had 23 points as the Seawolves start the season with a 1-0 record.

The Seawolves stumbled through the first half, shooting just 25% on their way to a 28-19 halftime deficit.  Head coach Pat Fuscaldo's halftime speech must have lit a fire as the Seawolves came out pumping on all cylinders in the second.

SSU was 14-of-20 in the second half, overtaking the Sea Warriors midway through and cruising to a 12-point win. 

Andrew Kochevar led the way with four three-pointers on his way to a game-high 23 points.  He was 7-of-7 from the free throw line

Point guard Ben Washington neared double-digit territory with eight points and a career-high nine rebounds.  Freshman forward Blake Saunders was also impressive in his first regular season game, scoring 14 points and grabbing six boards.

Jason Curtis led HPU with 21 points in the game.

The Seawolves will take on Menlo College on Saturday night.

Box Score