Box Score

BOISE, Idaho – The University of Hawai`i women's basketball team ended its three-game Western Athletic Conference road trip with a 70-61 loss to Boise State on Monday night at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho.

 

The Rainbow Wahine played a solid first half, leading 34-27 at the break. But the Broncos went on an 18-4 run early in the second half to turn the momentum around and take their first lead of the game five minutes into the half.

 

With the loss UH drops to 0-3 in conference play and 3-13 overall. Boise State improved to 2-1 in conference and 9-8 overall.

 

Offensively the Rainbow Wahine had four players score in double figures, led by Keisha Kanekoa, who scored 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range.

 

Tara Hittle recorded her first double-double of the year with 10 points and 11 rebounds and Megan Tinnin and Dita Liepkalne each scored 11 points.

 

To start the game, the Rainbow Wahine jumped out to an 11-3 lead, including seven points by Kanekoa. Kanekoa stayed hot scored 12 points by the 10-minute mark of the first half and UH held a 24-13 lead.

 

UH carried its fast start into halftime, leading 34-27 at the break. Kanekoa led the way with 12 points, Dita Liepkalne had six points and Megan Tinnin added five points and four rebounds. Coming off the bench, Leilani Galdones had five points and Tara Hittle grabbed seven rebounds.

 

The Rainbow Wahine shot the ball well from the floor, going 12-for-25 and 4-for-11 from long range in the opening half. UH also played solid defense, holding Boise State to 29 percent shooting and 1-for-10 from 3-point range.

 

UH returns to action Saturday, Jan. 17 when it hosts its first WAC home game of the year. The Rainbow Wahine face Nevada at 4 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.