Box Score

HONOLULU--The University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine nearly overcame an 18-point second-half deficit but ultimately couldn't prevail in a 69-63 season-opening loss to Lipscomb in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic Saturday afternoon. It was a rare loss for UH, which dropped its first season opener in 15 years.

Lipscomb shot just 36 percent from the field, but nailed 10-of-22 from behind the arc, which along with shaky shooting by UH, proved to be the difference. The Lady Bisons (1-0), who led by three at the half, scored 17 unanswered points early in the second frame to break the game open. The Lady Bisons hit four straight 3-pointers, by four different players, to ignite the run.

UH nailed three 3-pointers of its own to get back into the game and pulled to within two, 58-56, on a pair of Milia Macfarlane free throws with just under five minutes left. But Courtney Boynton hit a 3-pointer to give Lipscomb some breathing room and the Lady Bisons sealed the game with its final eight points from the free throw line. Boynton led three Lady Bisons in double figures with 15 points.

Hawaii shot just 32 percent from the field for the game, including 4-of-22 (18.2 percent) from 3-point land and 13-of-23 (56.5 percent) from the free throw line. For UH it was its first opening day loss since 1988 when they fell to nationally-ranked Louisiana Tech.

All 13 Rainbow Wahine saw action in the game, but none were able to get in a rhythm except for senior guard April Atuaia who finished with a game-high 17 points. Freshman forward Amber Lee had a solid debut with 12 rebounds and three blocked shots.

The Rainbow Wahine look to rebound when they take on Maine of the America East Conference in the consolation game of the Waikiki Beach Marriott Classic at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Washington defeated the Black Bears, 82-70, in earlier action. The Huskies will face Lipsomb in the championship game at 5 p.m.