Box Score

HONOLULU—Hawaii used a late first-half run to break open a tight game and eventually cruised to a 82-59 win over Charlotte in the 10th Annual Ala Moana Hotel Paradise Classic Monday at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Wahine improved to 6-2 on the season and will face Cleveland State, a 92-79 winner over Tennessee State, in the tournament championship Tuesday night at 8 p.m.

The game was hotly contested for the first 18 minutes with four ties and eight lead changes. The 49ers took a 28-27 lead with 2:28 left in the first half on a 3-pointer by Brandy Patterson. The Wahine however responded with a 10-0 run to close the half to take a 37-28 lead.

The Wahine, who shot 58 percent in the first half and 54 percent for the game, sealed the game on the free throw line where they were 21-of-29 in the second half. UH shot a season-high 44 free throws, converting 28, compared to Charlotte's 8-of-19 . The 49ers were held to just 30 percent shooting for the game.

Senior Karena Greeny scored six of her career-high 16 points during the game-breaking first half run. Greeny, who hit 7-of-9 shots from the floor, was joined by three others in double figures. Center Christen Roper was a force in the paint with 14 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Natasja Allen added 13 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore wing player Christa Brossman finished with a season-high 10 points.

The game also marked the debut of Kim Willoughby. Willoughby, the two-sport athlete who just finished an All-American season for the Wahine volleyball team, entered the game six minutes into the second half and UH up by 11 points. The 6-0 forward played seven minutes and finished with five points, one rebound and one steal.