Federico leads HPU men’s hoops to win

Niksha Federico notched his seventh double-double of the season as Hawaii Pacific defeated Harding (Ark.) 79-72 in the opening game of the Hoops in Hawaii Holiday Classic on Sunday at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Federico, a senior forward from San Diego, led the Sharks (6-4) with 22 points and 14 rebounds. David Rowlands knocked down a 3-pointer with 1:41 left to play to give HPU a 70-68 lead and the Sharks would hold on for the win.

The Bisons (0-9) were led by Tim Wagner’s game-high 26 points. Hawaii Pacific returns to the hardwood on Tuesday against Montana State Billings at 3:30 p.m. on the final day of the Hoops in Hawaii Holiday Classic.