Box Score

HONOLULU - The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team dropped a heartbreaker Saturday night against Nevada at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Wahine had an 11-point lead erased over the final eight minutes, as Nevada pulled out the 74-69 win.

The two teams went back-and-forth all night, with 11 lead changes and eight ties. Nevada used one late run to take the lead for good at the 3-minute mark. With the loss the Rainbow Wahine fall to 9-14 overall and 3-7 in WAC play. Nevada improved to 17-6 overall and 8-2 in conference.

Tanya Smith led the Rainbow Wahine with 15 points and 20 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive glass. Smith also added four blocks in 37 minutes of action. Saundra Cariaga added 16 points on 7 of 13 shooting and Keisha Kanekoa scored 11 points and added six assists off the bench.

In her second consecutive start, Tara Hittle grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds, including seven offensive boards, and added nine points, four assists and two blocks in 28 minutes.

As a team UH shot 39.2 percent from the field and committed 26 turnovers. The Rainbow Wahine outrebounded the Wolf Pack 56-31 and went 7 of 14 from long range.

In the opening half, the Rainbow Wahine played some of their best basketball this season. UH shot 50 percent (16-32) from the field and went 5 for 7 from long range, leading to a 39-31 halftime lead.

The Rainbow Wahine had a balanced offensive attack with all eight players who entered the game scoring at least two points. Keisha Kanekoa and Saundra Cariaga led the way scoring nine points each.

Tara Hittle had six points and five rebounds, Tanya Smith added four points and five rebounds and Iwona Zagrobelna had five points.

With their hot shooting, UH was able to overcome 14 first half turnovers for its lead. Nevada shot 36.4 percent in the first half, including 1 of 8 from 3-point range.

The Rainbow Wahine get a break in the schedule this week, as they won't play another game until February 21 when they host Fresno State at 7 p.m.

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