Box Score

HONOLULU - The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team returned to the Stan Sheriff Center for the first time in 25 days Thursday night, but it wasn't a warm welcome, as Boise State defeated the Rainbow Wahine 77-73.

After starting WAC play with four consecutive road games, the Rainbow Wahine entered Thursday's game having not played or practiced in the Stan Sheriff Center since the Bank of Hawai'i Invitational December 29.

UH started the game at a frantic pace, as the WAC leader in scoring Boise State pushed the tempo early on. The Rainbow Wahine hung with the Broncos early in the first half, but Boise State pulled away down the stretch leading by 16 at the break.

The second half began with Boise State turning the ball over on back-to-back possessions and the Rainbow Wahine capitalized, cutting into the lead.

UH continued to cut into the Broncos' lead, eventually getting the game to within two points with 7:45 left in the game. But Boise State hit back-to-back 3-pointers to extend its lead to eight points with less than six minutes remaining. UH would never get closer than five points the rest of the way. With the loss UH falls to 7-11 overall and 1-4 in WAC play.

Offensively Tanya Smith led the way for the Rainbow Wahine. Smith tied a career-high with 25 points and tied a season-high with 17 rebounds. Smith has now recorded 13 double-doubles on the season.

Iwona Zagrobelna came off the bench to score all of her 13 points in the second half, and Megan Tinnin scored 12 points on four 3-pointers in her second straight start. Saundra Cariaga added 12 points and Keisha Kanekoa added eight.

UH was led by Megan Tinnin and Tanya Smith in the opening half, with Tinnin connecting on three 3-pointers for nine points. Smith had eight points and six rebounds at the break.

In the first half Boise State came out on fire, shooting 52.9 percent from the field and outrebounded UH 22-17, including nine offensive rebounds. Boise State finished the game shooting 40.6 percent, after UH held them to 28.6 percent shooting in the second half. The Rainbow Wahine shot 47.2 percent in the second half and finished the game shooting 40.6 percent.

The Rainbow Wahine return to action Saturday, January 26, when they host Idaho at 7 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

-UH-