Box Score

HONOLULU - The University of Hawai`i women's basketball team jumped in front of the Utah State Aggies from the opening tip and never trailed, leading to a 69-42 victory Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The 27-point victory is the second largest for the Rainbow Wahine this season, as they improved to 9-13 overall and 3-6 in WAC play. With the loss, Utah State fell to 6-15 overall and 2-7 in conference. UH also avenged an earlier loss to the Aggies during the first round of WAC play.

UH had four players score in double figures and were sparked by junior Tara Hittle. Hittle made her first start of her career and performed at a high level for the Rainbow Wahine. Hittle scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 25 minutes of play.

Senior Saundra Cariaga and sophomore Megan Tinnin each scored 14 points and Iwona Zagrobelna came off the bench to add 12 points.

As a team, the Rainbow Wahine shot a season-high 58.7 percent from the field, including 5 of 8 from long range. While the offense was clicking, the defense was just as strong. UH held Utah State to 26.2 percent shooting from the field and held the Aggies to a season-low 42 points.

UH opened the game with one of its more impressive opening frames. The Rainbow Wahine shot 15 of 26 from the field and held Utah State to 16 points.

Zagrobelna came off the bench in the first half and scored nine points on 4 of 4 shooting. Cariaga had eight points and Tinnin added seven in the half.

The Rainbow Wahine return to action on Saturday, February 9 when they host Nevada at 7 p.m. in the Stan Sheriff Center.

-UH-