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Hawaii Pacific University basketball player dies after Dec. 18 collapse during game

Brian McInnis
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / NOV. 2

Hawaii guard Eddie Stansberry (3) drove past Hawaii Pacific University guard Emil Isovic (10) in the second half of a game between the two teams last month. Isovic died Wednesday at Straub Medical Center, a little more than a week after he collapsed during a game.

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COURTESY HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

Hawaii Pacific University basketball player Emil Isovic died Wednesday at Straub Medical Center, a little more than a week after he collapsed during a game.

Hawaii Pacific University basketball player Emil Isovic died Wednesday at Straub Medical Center, a little more than a week after he collapsed during a game.

The Pacific West Conference announced his death today.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Emil’s family and to all of you,” HPU athletic director Sam Moku said in a statement addressed to students and faculty at HPU. “There aren’t words to express how much Emil will be missed. May we find comfort in one another’s company and solace in the memories of a young man who made an unforgettable impression on our hearts.”

Family and friends were with him at the time of his death, according to the PacWest’s release.

Isovic, 21, of Ahlen, Sweden, collapsed on the team bench Dec. 18 shortly after exiting a game versus Southern Nazarene in the Hoops in Hawaii D2 Power Invitational at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.

He was treated at the scene by athletic trainers and nurses, then was transported to a hospital. The game was canceled.

Isovic was a sophomore averaging 12.9 minutes in nine games this season.

Friday’s game between HPU and Texas Christian has been cancelled. The contest was originally scheduled for 2 p.m. at St. Francis High School.

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