Heading into overtime, Campbell coach Wyatt Tau’s strategy hinged on getting out to a quick start.

Sabers junior Michael Merchant provided exactly that to help keep Campbell alone atop the OIA Red West boys basketball standings with a 79-72 win over Mililani on Tuesday.

With the host Sabers and Trojans tied at 68 after regulation, Merchant scored seven of his game-high 24 points in overtime and Campbell pulled away for a senior night victory.

Merchant drove from the wing and hit a banker to give Campbell the lead and followed with a floater off another drive. He later added a transition layup to help seal the win

"I was very confident," Merchant said. "Coach believed in me and my teammates believed in me."

Campbell improved to 8-0 in the OIA Red West with games at Pearl City Thursday and at Waianae Saturday left on the schedule.

Mililani could have joined Campbell atop the division, but fell to 6-2 and hosts Waianae and Leilehua to close the regular season.

Merchant came off the bench and sparked the Sabers with 10 points in the first quarter and hit three 3-pointers before halftime. He had just one field goal in the second half before his flurry in overtime.

"That’s what he’s been doing for us all year," Tau said. "Understands basketball, he sees it, he helps a lot of our kids out. It makes my job easier to have kids like that who understand basketball."

As for his role in the rotation, Merchant has no problems starting the game on the sideline.

"I love coming off the bench," he said.

The contributions of Merchant and Alex Layi, who drained two 3-pointers in the second quarter, helped send Campbell into halftime with a 37-32 lead.

But Mililani repeatedly went to Ian Namu in the high post in the third quarter and the senior provided eight points in the paint and the teams went into the fourth period knotted at 51.

The teams traded the lead four times in the quarter, with Mililani edging out to a 66-63 lead when Cody Sison hit two free throws with 1:08 left.

Campbell’s Gilbert Dayanan then drilled a tying  3-pointer from the top of the key.

Elijah Butler’s putback briefly gave Mililani the lead again, but Isaac Hurd was fouled on his way to the basket and calmly hit two free throws to tie it again with 17.4 seconds left.

Mililani’s final possession came up empty and Merchant took over in the extra period as the Sabers outscored the Trojans 11-4.

"We needed to score first," Tau said. "If we scored first, I could stay with the zone (defense). … We were able to score first and we just built from there."

"They made their shots at the end and we missed our free throws," Mililani coach Edward Gonzalez said. "Campbell’s tough. They made all the shots at the end."

MILILANI–Braiden Rosario 0, Jeremy Rozmeski 5, Noel Bueno 10, Kingston Nishimura 1, Cody Sison 10, Elijah Gambol 14, Ian Namu 18, Sean Fitzgerald 0, Elijah Butler 14.

CAMPBELL–Jomar Jett Gapusan 3, Paulo Felizardo 2, Michael Merchant 24, Isaac Hurd 9, Jayce Bantolina 0, Lamart Dudley 8, Gilbert Dayanan 12, Melvin Bergado 8, Robert Fagragan 2, Perry 0, Alex Layi 11.

3-point goals–Mililani 6 (Gambol 3, Bueno 2, Rozmeski). Campbell 10 (Merchant 3, Layi 3, Dayanan 2, Gapusan, Hurd).

Junior varsity–Mililani 48, Campbell 39Aiea 65, Waipahu 49

Senior Bryson Naito hit 12 field goals for a game-high 24 points on senior night as Na Alii beat the Marauders.

WAIPAHU–AJ Jerome Leano 2, Keanu Deboma 6, Dustin Morales 8, Jasper Sebastian 4, Gerald Felix 2, Jordan Mateo 0, Brendan Mendoza 15, Christian Castrance 8, Andrew Pecpec 2, Elijah Taimatuia 2.

AIEA–Cory Walton 0, Matt Sio 4, Christian Maglaya 6, Shaun Aque 9, Jantsen Shimoto 1, Bronson Lee 2, Brandon Lee 12, Micah Chang-Olivar 1, Bryson Naito 24, Mana Kaahanui 0, Kimo Souza 4, Amara Toure 2.

3-point goals–Waipahu 2 (Mendoza, Sebastian). Aiea 3 (Aque 3).

Junior varsity–Aiea 61, Waipahu 41.

Kapolei 55, Radford 44

Chance Kamaka scored eight of his game-high 18 points in the third quarter as the Hurricances pulled away from a 30-all tie with the Rams at halftime.

KAPOLEI–Koa Alvarado 5, Abdel-Kader Ziane 0, Jeffery Garret 0, Augustine Stridiron 10, Benjahmin Toomolatai 12, Matthew Henderson 4, William Auwae 0, Austin Wasson 0, Chance Kamaka 18, Michael Kapoi 6.

RADFORD–Jordin Pacheco 0, Malcolm Hill 16, Khristian Ebreo 0, Tobias Powell 5, Derrick McLamore 7, Khristopher Ebreo 0, Trevon Hinkel 0, LaToine Thompson 0, Absolom Henry 4, Izaiah Lavatai 0, Aaron Jackson 10, Kendall Bryant 2.

3-point goals–Kapolei 3 (Kamaka 2, Toomolatai). Radford  4 (Hill 2, McLamore, Powell).

Junior varsity–Radford 36, Kapolei 32.

Leilehua 42, Pearl City 38

Joseph Gouty scored nine points as the Mules defeated the Chargers.

PEARL CITY–Bryson Galdeira 1, Tylor Canon 3, Eric Dela Pena 8, Justin Bautista 0, Shandy Reyes 9, Matthew Garcia 2, Joshua Arellano 0, Ivan Nakasone 6, Christopher Roy 0, Garette Kanamu 7, P-Jay Solomon 2.

LEILEHUA–Kainoa Aleviado 8, Jarron Kim-Raguirag 0, Chanse Ramirez 5, Joseph Gouty 9, Kevin Brown 5, Anterrio Gainwell 0, Diego Aguirresaenz 0, Trevor Williams 0, Elijah Calzo 2, Koa Kauhi 0, Dhyllan Amond 0, Pomai Cozo 4, Bryan Mason 6, Torenzo Vereen 1, Epeli Natoko 2.

3-point goals–Pearl City 3 (Canon, Dela Pena, Nakasone). Leilehua 2 (Brown, Ramirez).

Junior varsity–Pearl City 55, Leilehua 37

Waialua 68, Nanakuli 49

Kaimana Equires led all scorers with 19 points, including four 3-pointers as the Bulldogs defeated the winless Golden Hawks.

WAIALUA–Sean Murphy 2, Jeren Dingal 16, Mark Garcia 0, Xavier Repollo 15, Travis Maze 0, Royce Gasper 0, Virgilio Bareng 0, Edmund Nocum 0, Kaimana Equires 19, Tripp Blaser 12, Jeffery Bareng 4, Aaron Nunez 0, Wyatt Rushing 0, Tyler Myers 0. 

NANAKULI–Kale Kanehailua 4, Kamaua Van Geison 4, Iverson Sione 16, Josh Lincoln 8, Lyle Tuiloma 2, Louis Hulama 7, Kealii Awong 4, Jason Salvador 0, Eric Auhhon-Kaawa 4.

3-point goals–Waialua 7 (Equires 4, Dingal 2, Repollo). Nanakuli 1 (Iverson).

Junior varsity–Waialua 59, Nanakuli 43

OIA EAST BOYS

No. 6 Farrington 73, Kalani 51

Senior Jacob McEnroe scored 27 points as the Governors took control after halftime to beat the Falcons.

KALANI–Dallas Ascuncion 6, Shane Ra 2, Jaron Yamauchi 12, Alexander Tungpalan 2, Cory Mitchell 11, Blaise Manabe 4, Brandon Roberts 12, Juwan Bohannon 0, David Faletoi 2, Kevin Kang 0.

FARRINGTON–Jacob McEnroe 27, Mark Duldulao 1, Isaiah Smith 4, Van Hugo 9, Isaiah Visoria 12, Tua Unutoa 4, Seu Luafatasaga 2, Jay-Ar Francisco 2, Ton Selga 0, Makana Correira 0, Manly Williams 6, Mason Semisi 2, Bernard Dela Cruz 2, Francis Fepuleai 2.

3-point goals–Kalani 3 (Roberts 3). Farrington 3 (McEnroe, Hugo, Unutoa).

Junior varsity–Kalani def. Farrington, no score available.

No. 7 Kalaheo 65, Castle 52

Kekai Smith scored a game-high 22 points as the Mustangs held off a late charge by the Knights.

CASTLE–Chad Figueroa 0, Lalio Keawe-Aiko-Tilton 5, Justin Pang 2, Aukai Keawe-Aiko-Tilton 3, KJ Ng 4, Kumu Oana 2, Joseph Lilio III 10, David Benevedes 17, Keanu Furtado 9, Bryson Aiwohi 0, Klayton Tilton-Futa 0.

KALAHEO–Zach Marrotte 10, Kupaa Harrison 12, Kekai Smith 21, Peter Santiago 0, Micah Holeso 0, Dario Delcastillo 4, Thomas Focht 9, L.J. Barnes 6, Andrew Hernandez 0, Kela Thomas 3.

3-point goals–Castle 2 (A. Keawe-Aiko-Tilton, Furtado). Kalaheo 5 (Focht 2, Marrotte 2, Thomas)

Junior varsity– Kalaheo 50, Castle 26

Kaiser 75, Anuenue 29

Trevin Kahunanui had 14 points and Chance Kalaugher 12 as the Cougars crushed Na Koa.

KAISER–Tarius Hill 6, Kelsey Lewis 8, Melvin Kahunanui 4, Nicolas Tom 6, Nicholas Lebeck 6, Trevin Kahunanui 14, Chance Kalaugher 12, Matt Haili 7, Marcus Mafi 4, Michael Okamoto 8.

ANUENUE–Ikaika Benjamin 6, Kamana’opono Grace-Kekawa 0, Kamalu Kamauoha 0, Kimo Romena 10, Pono Kahili 4, Naalii Dureg 6, Kailau Keola 3, Kaleo Lindsey 0, K. Kahana-Reid 0.

3-point goals–Kaiser 3 (Hill, Kahunanui, Okamoto). Anuenue 3 (Romena 2, Keola).

Mckinley 76, Kailua 44

Dayton Lee had 16 points, Dan Villejo 13 and Brennan Waters and Macjun Otarra 12 each as the Tigers manhandled the Surfriders.

MCKINLEY–Erolina Javier 3, Josh Lam 2, Lanson Hino 2, Brennan Waters 12, Dan Villejo 13,  Joramae Otarra 5, Nelson Pita 8, Macjun Otarra 12, Anthony Nguyen 0, Dayton Lee 16, Jeff Fronda 0, Gilbert Antonio 3.

KAILUA–Nainoa Mercado 1, Noah Kawai 0, William Kailimai 7, Peter Kanoho 6, Matthew Bishop 8, Clifton Rodrigues 0, Kamu Scheer 10, Hano Kohatsu 8, Christian Mejia 2, Eric Lavoie 2, Russell Foster 0, Noah Ah Yat 0, Noah Auld 0.

3-point goals–McKinley 5 (Lee 3, Villejo, Waters). Kailua none.

Junior varsity–McKinley def. Kailua, no score available 

Roosevelt 51, Kahuku 50

Henry Maumalanga scored 12 points and Kevin Foster 10 as the Rough Riders rallied to beat the Red Raiders.

ROOSEVELT–Chaston Marcos 6, Justin Furtado 6, Jake Kawasaki 4, Henry Maumalanga 12, Mick Colling 7, Kevin Foster 10, Josh Alexander 2, Brent Quakenbush 4, Valen Inaura 0.

KAHUKU–Keanu Akina 3, Chance Maghanoy 0, Drayton Aki 0, Huleia Naeole 2, Wilton Cravens 9, Kesi Ah Hoy 0, Soli Afalava 2, Hirkley Latu 5, Samuta Avea 15, Tuli Wily-Matagi 14.

3-point goals–Roosevelt 3 (Furtado 2, Foster). Kahuku 5 (Avea 3, Akina, Cravens).

Junior varsity–Kahuku 65, Roosevelt 37.

Also (full box not reported)

Moanalua 70, Kaimuki 48

ILH DIVISION I BOYS

saint louis 40, No. 4 kamehameha 39

Haka Johnson had a game-high 15 points as the Crusaders (2-5) upset the Warriors (4-4) at McCabe Gym.

Noah Kinimaka and Jaycob Smith had 10 points each for Kamehameha.

KAMEHAMEHA–Noa Kinimaka 10, Alakai Freitas 5, Kayson Smith-Bejgrowicz 6, Fatu Sua-Godinet 6,  Jaycob Smith 10, Jordan Paulo 0, Saint Gelacio 0, Nakoa Pauole 2, Elijah Leslie 0.

SAINT LOUIS–Jimmy Nunuha III 8, Haka Johnson 15, Kevin Marks 6, Kolten Nacimento 5, Fred Ulu-Perry 0, Jedediah Lulu 0, Elijah Robb 2, Spencer Johnson 2, Brett Uchima 2.

3-point goals– Kamehameha 3 (Smith 2, Kinimaka). Saint Louis 5 (I.Johnson 4, Nascimento).

ILH DIVISION III BOYS

Hawaiian Mission 46, Assets 24

HAWAIIAN MISSION–Andrew Yamada 2, Trevor Johnson 2, Mark Valencia 6, Jared Siok 10, Seth Jackson 13, Richard Domingo 4, Logan Earles 9, Mitchell Emelio 0.

ASSETS–Greg Millar 4, Carter Kawai 0, Micah Swenson-Kim 2, Christopher Tanaka 1, Aiden Matsura 2, Paul David 3, Chase Deaton 2, Nenad Djondjeric 1, Mike Weaver 9.

3-point goals–HMA 3 (Jackson 3). Assets 1 (Millar).

ILH DIVISION I GIRLS

No. 5 Kamehameha 54, Mid-pacific 21

Nicole Kaaihue scored a game-high 18 points as the Warriors dominated the Owls in the opening round of the league’s single-elimination tournament.

Kamehameha plays at Maryknoll today at 5 p.m. Mid-Pacific’s season is over.

MPI–Harley Simon 3, Lia Nakamoto 6, Kerry Ellen Chun 0, Kayla Muraoka 2, Judy Phan 0, Emily Ma 0, Pua Kanekoa 0, Courtney Tom 10, Emma Krening 0.

KAMEHAMEHA– Brooke Kaawa 2, Krista Matsumura 0, Breann Nueku 7, Kea Ryder 4, Miki’ala Maio 2, Kanoe Marks-Mahoe 0, Shelbey Cadinha-Oku 2, Alohi Robins-Hardy 10, Tiare Kanoa 0, Nicole Kaaihue 18, Shantel Aleki 6, Mikaylah Kaohu 3, Cassidy Keola 0.

3-point goals–Mid-Pacific none. Kamehameha 2 (Kaohu, Nueku). 

No. 9 ‘Iolani 56, Sacred Hearts 41

Jade Botelho led all scorers with 27 points as the Raiders (5-6) defeated the Lancers (1-10) at McCabe Gym. Camy Aguinaldo added 11 for ‘Iolani, which will visit top-seeded Punahou today at 5 p.m.

Tiare Libarios-Moses scored 11 points for Sacred Hearts, whose season ended.

At McCabe gym

‘IOLANI–Brooke Kaneshiro 1, Emily Nomura 1, Klein Masutani 2, Brooke Maeda 10, Sierra Buscher 0, Kelsi Ikeda 2, Lindsey Combs 2, Camy Aguinaldo 11, Jessica Otsu 0, Alyssa Finger 0, Sunshine Saucedo 0, Skyler Nakata 0, Jade Botelho 27.

SACRED HEARTS–Tiare Libarios-Moses 11, Keala Rutkowski 0, Hoku Rutkowski 2, Kaela Fiesta 2, Zoe-Ann Yamamoto 8, Jessica Hanashiro 0, Cirena Aiwohi 2, Erica Pagan 10, Celina Pagan 6.

3-point goals–"Iolani 4 (Botelho 3, Aguinaldo).

ILH DIVISION II GIRLS

Lanakila Baptist 49, St. Andrew’s Priory 32

Katherine Walker (20), Jeizylin Pananganan (15) and Rebecca Carruthers (14) combined to score all the Warriors’ points in a rout of the Pride in the league’s opening round of the single-elimination tournament.

LANAKILA BAPTIST–Jeizylin Pananganan 15, Caitlyn Guererro 0, Aolani Lum 0, Kanani Kahehailua 0, Millie Pacheco 0, Katherine Walker 20, Summer Guererro 0, Yasmin Powell-Santiago 0, Andrea Corla 0, Abagail Shores 0, Rebecca Carruthers 14.

ST. ANDREW’S–Rachel Tamashiro 3, Krista Chang 0, Mie Oishi 0, Jessica Serikawa 0, Olivia Sou 8, Rachel Ho 0, Kailee Shiraishi 0, Katie Murphy 5, Hattie Hapai 0, Isabelle-Marie Geppert 6, Chelsie DePonte 10.

3-point goals–Lanakila Baptist none. St. Andrews 3 (Sou 2, Tamashiro).