Box Score
HONOLULU - The University of Hawaii women's basketball team led wire-to-wire against Louisiana Tech and a career-high 24 points by
Keisha Kanekoa gave UH an 84-77 victory Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Kanekoa came off the bench and was on fire from the field. The freshman guard connected on 7 of 10 shots, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range and went 7 for 7 from the free throw line.
The Rainbow Wahine jumped in front of the Lady Techsters early 8-0 and never surrendered the lead. With the win UH improves to 12-16 overall and 6-9 in WAC play. Louisiana Tech falls to 14-14 overall and 8-7 in conference.
Thursday's victory was the second time UH has beaten Louisiana Tech at the Stan Sheriff Center in the last three years. The Rainbow Wahine beat the Lady Techsters during conference play in 2005.
The 84 points for UH matches its second highest point total of the season. The Rainbow Wahine also shot 50 percent from the field for the fourth time this season. The hot shooting continued behind the arc for the Rainbow Wahine as well as they matched a season-high with eight 3-pointers.
Four players reached double figures with Kanekoa leading the way. Tanya Smith recorded her 19th double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds and Saundra Cariaga and Amy Kotani each scored 13 points.
To start the first half, the Rainbow Wahine went on an 8-0 run and led 14-4 after six minutes of action. Going into the break, UH continued to lead 35-31.
UH got a spark off the bench in the opening half, with Kanekoa scoring 12 points, including two 3-pointers. Kotani added five points and three players had four points.
The Rainbow Wahine shot 40.6 percent in the first half in a hard fought battle, and went 4 for 8 from long range. UH's biggest lead of the first half was 10, while Louisiana Tech never led.
The Rainbow Wahine return to action Saturday night when they host New Mexico State at 7 p.m. Saturday will be senior night at the Stan Sheriff Center, where five seniors, Iwona Zagrobelna, Shannon Nishi, Saundra Cariaga, Tanya Smith and Amy Kotani will be honored.
-UH-