HONOLULU – Ryan Jenei helped fuel a rally early in the second half to help Oglethorpe erase a 10-point first-half deficit, but the Stormy Petrels suffered a 78-68 loss to Principia Saturday at the Hawaii Convention Center. The game was the first of the Hoops in Hawaii Holiday Classic presented by Outrigger Resorts and Hotels.  

Jenei finished with 14, second on the team to Uba Ezigbo who scored 17 alongside five rebounds. Freshman Jonathan Awoleye had a great game with seven points and seven rebounds, both career highs.  

The Stormy Petrels found themselves trailing by double figures in the first half after a 10-0 run from Principia but fought back with a 16-3 run early in the second half. Jenei hit three straight 3-pointers on that stretch while Awoleye added five of his scoring. It put Oglethorpe ahead 50-46, but Principia answered right back with a similar run to go back into the lead.  

The middle of the second half featured several lead changes until a 3-pointer near the 10:30 mark gave Principia the lead for good. 

"We keep taking small steps forward followed by small steps back," said Head Coach Philip Ponder postgame. "We still can't get stops consistently. It's tough to win when you give up 17 offensive rebounds, so we have to clean that up. We'll try to bounce back on Monday." 

Game Notes 

• Nine Petrels entered the scoring column 
• Robert Reisman scored seven, Dylan Bennifield six, Trey Harris five and Mason Kemp five 
• 10 Petrels registered at least one rebound, led by Awoleye with seven then Ezigbo with five 
• Ezigbo posted a career high three blocked shots 

Up next 

Oglethorpe finishes its Hawaii trip with a matchup against Gallaudet Monday at 4 p.m. ET. After that, the Stormy Petrels will be home the week after Christmas for two games in Dorough Field House.