Box Score

HONOLULU - The University of Hawai`i women's basketball team received another solid performance by their starting lineup, but it was the bench that stepped up in the final minutes of an 84-79 victory over UC Irvine Friday night at the Stan Sheriff Center. With the win the Rainbow Wahine advance to the championship game of the Bank of Hawai`i Invitational Saturday night against Iona.

The Rainbow Wahine received double-doubles by Tanya Smith and Saundra Cariaga, but after both starters fouled out, along with Iwona Zagrobelna, the bench stepped up. Catherine Cho, Ebony Jones and Megan Tinnin replaced the three starters and hit clutch free throws and pulled down big rebounds over the final two minutes.

Zagrobelna was the first Rainbow Wahine to foul out after a career night. The senior recorded a career-high 18 points on 7 of 10 shooting from the field, including two 3-pointers.

With the win the Rainbow Wahine improved to 6-6 on the season and face Iona in the championship game of the Bank of Hawai`i Invitational Saturday night at 7 p.m. Iona beat William and Mary in the first game Friday. William and Mary and UC Irvine will square off at 5 p.m. Saturday night in the consolation game.

Smith recorded her eighth double-double of the year and third straight with 20 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out. Smith has scored 20 or more points in two out of the last three games.

Cariaga also had a career night for the Rainbow Wahine. Cariaga recorded her first double-double of her career with 15 points and 12 rebounds, including five offensive boards. Cariaga fouled out with just about four minutes left in the game.

"This was an exciting game tonight," UH Head Coach Jim Bolla said. "We did some good things early on, and we held on in the end."

Off the bench, Cho came in and made two free throws and grabbed three rebounds in six minutes of action. Tinnin had five points and four rebounds and Jones had four points and five rebounds. Freshman Keisha Kanekoa was the fourth Rainbow Wahine to score in double figures with 15 points and six assists.

As a team UH shot 47.5 percent from the field, its third best shooting game from the field this season. The Rainbow Wahine defense also held UC Irvine to 37.8 percent shooting and recorded nine steals.

Friday's Results
Iona 76, William and Mary 69

Saturday's Games
William and Mary vs. UC Irvine, 5 p.m.
Iona at Hawai`i, 7 p.m.

-UH-