Box Score

HONOLULU - The University of Hawai`i women's basketball team led San Jose State for over 35 minutes Saturday night, leading to a 61-47 victory at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Wahine opened up the game in the second half, leading by as many as 14 down the stretch.

UH started the game slow Saturday night, but picked it up in the second half, shooting 55.6 percent from the field and went to the free throw line 28 times in the game.

With the win, the Rainbow Wahine improve to 10-15 overall and 4-8 in conference play. San Jose State fell to 2-24 overall and 1-12 in conference. The win moves UH into a tie for sixth place with Utah State.

The Rainbow Wahine were led offensively by Tara Hittle, who scored a career-high 15 points. Hittle added eight rebounds, including five offensive boards and had three assists.

Senior Tanya Smith recorded her 17th double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Smith also had four assists and three blocks on 35 minutes of action.

UH had one other player in double figures, as Saundra Cariaga scored 13 points, and the rest of the team had a balanced scoring attack, with five players scoring at least four points.

Overall the Rainbow Wahine shot 50 percent from the field and outrebounded San Jose State 46-31. The UH defense was also outstanding, holding the Spartans to 26.2 percent from the field and forcing 23 turnovers.

The opening half was a little closer for the Rainbow Wahine. San Jose State forced UH into 20 turnovers in the half, leading to a 26-21 UH lead.

San Jose State shot 23.1 percent from the field in the first half and attempted 39 shots, compared to UH's 17 shots.

Up next the Rainbow Wahine travel to Idaho, to face the Vandals and Boise State. UH leaves on Monday night and will face Idaho on Thursday, February 28 at 5 p.m. HST. The Rainbow Wahine then travels to Boise to face the Broncos on Saturday, March 1 at 4 p.m. HST.

-UH-