Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. – The University of Hawai`i women's basketball team dropped its Western Athletic Conference opener Thursday night against Fresno State, 78-50 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

 

In the first game of a three-game road trip, the Rainbow Wahine battled tough early on, but Fresno State made 14 3-pointers in the win. With the loss UH falls to 0-1 in conference play and 3-11 overall. Fresno State improved to 2-0 in conference and 11-4 overall.

 

Offensively UH was led by Megan Tinnin, who scored 10 points and added three rebounds on 4-of-7 shooting. Dita Liepkalne added nine points, seven rebounds and a career-high seven assists.

 

Tara Hittle added eight points, six rebounds and four assists and Jennifer Hamilton scored a career-high eight points.

 

Going into the game UH was the WAC leader in field goal percentage, while Fresno State ranked just behind the Rainbow Wahine. UH shot 43.1 percent, while Fresno State shot 40.6 percent. Fresno State also leads the nation in 3-point field goal attempts and went 14-for-41 in the game.

 

In the first half, the Rainbow Wahine were led by Dita Liepkalne, who scored five points, added four rebounds and four assists. Megan Tinnin, Briauna Linton and Rebecca Dew each scored four points in the half.

 

UH shot 41.7 percent from the field in the first half, while Fresno State shot 40 percent. The Rainbow Wahine went 2-for-7 from the 3-point line, while the Bulldogs went 7-for-22 from behind the arc.

 

UH continues its three-game road trip Saturday, Jan. 10 against San Jose State at 7 p.m. PT. The Rainbow Wahine then face Boise State on Monday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. MT.