Box Score

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team started slow offensively in the first half, and could not catch up in the second half, dropping their first of two road games at New Mexico State 71-53 Thursday night in Las Cruces, N.M.

The Rainbow Wahine shot 32.8 percent from the field, their lowest shooting percentage during WAC play, while New Mexico State started slow but shot 63 percent in the second half.

With the loss UH drops to 2-5 in WAC play and 8-12 on the season. New Mexico State improved to 5-2 in conference and 15-5 overall.

The Rainbow Wahine offense struggled Thursday night, and it didn't get any help with Tanya Smith battling foul trouble all game. Smith picked up her fourth foul with over 11 minutes left in the game. Smith managed to record her 14th double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Senior Saundra Cariaga was one Rainbow Wahine who shot the ball well Thursday night. Cariaga shot 7 of 16 from the field, for a 16 points in 40 minutes of action.

The first half Thursday night was a defensive battle, with both teams shooting well below their averages. The Rainbow Wahine lead the WAC in field goal percentage, while the Aggies rank second.

But in the first half, UH shot 32.3 percent from the field, while New Mexico State shot 26.3 percent. The Rainbow Wahine turned the ball over nine teams, and trailed 27-24 at the half.

Just under half of the Rainbow Wahine scoring came from Saundra Cariaga, who scored 10 points on 4 of 10 shooting from the field. Tanya Smith picked up two early fouls and sat for the final nine minutes of the half. Smith was held scoreless, but grabbed six rebounds and had four assists.

Before Thursday night's game, the visiting team had won every game in the four-game series, since New Mexico State joined the WAC.

Tara Hittle made her third appearance for the Rainbow Wahine this season, playing three minutes, scoring her first career points with a jumper from the free throw line. Senior Amy Kotani returned to the floor Thursday night, after missing the past two games due to injury.

The Rainbow Wahine return to action Saturday when they face Louisiana Tech at 3 p.m. (HST) from Ruston, La.

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