Box Score

HONOLULU--Hawaii shook off a slow start and used a powerful 22-6 run to defeat Nevada, 63-54, Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Wahine improved to 8-18 overall and 6-11 in the WAC.

Freshman guard Janevia Taylor scored 12 of her game-high 18 points to help UH overcome a halftime deficit for the first time this season. The Rainbow Wahine, who trailed 30-26 at the half, had lost all 13 previous times in which they trailed at the break this year.

Nevada (3-24, 2-15 WAC) lost its eight straight game, but looked good early. The Wolf Pack led by double-digits on a pair of occasions, and extended its lead to 30-19 on April Bankston's breakaway layup with less than three minutes left in the half. That's when UH woke up. The Rainbow Wahine scored seven straight to cut the deficit to four at the break, then came out with a 15-6 run to start the second half.

Jade Abele's layup less than five minutes into the second half, gave UH its first lead, 34-32, since early in the game. The Wolf Pack answered right back, but UH's next basket by Taylor gave the Rainbow Wahine a lead they would not relinquish.

UH shot 52 percent from the floor in the second half and sealed the game at the free throw line where it out-scored Nevada, 17-4. Abele finished with 14 points, while Pam Tambini added 13. Jocelyn Macebo led Nevada with 17 points.

The win, coupled with San Jose State's loss to Fresno State, put UH in a three-way tie for sixth-place in the WAC standings with the Spartans and the Bulldogs. The three teams are vying for sixth place and a spot in next week's WAC Tournament quarterfinals. The Rainbow Wahine must defeat Fresno State on Saturday, while San Jose State must lose to Nevada, for UH to avoid the tournament's "play-in" games on Tuesday.

The Rainbow Wahine will host the Bulldogs on Saturday in the season finale at the Stan Sheriff Center. It will be the final home appearances for senior April Atuaia and head coach Vince Goo, who will be retiring at the conclusion of this season. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and there is free admission for all senior citizens.