Box Score

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai`i women's basketball team fell behind early in the second half and then rallied to take the lead and never gave it back in a 54-51 victory over New Mexico State on Friday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.

 

The Rainbow Wahine led by two points at half, but after New Mexico State took a two-point lead with over 11 minutes left in the game, UH came back with four straight points by Keisha Kanekoa to take the lead.

 

With the win UH improves to 6-19 overall and 3-9 in Western Athletic Conference play. New Mexico State fell to 8-18 overall and 4-8 in conference action.

 

Offensively the Rainbow Wahine received a huge spark off the bench by Allie Patterson. Patterson scored a game-high 16 points in 26 minutes off the bench, going 6-for-10 from the field.

 

Kanekoa finished with 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting and Catherine Cho and Megan Tinnin each added seven points.

 

In the first half, both teams battled back-and-forth, with UH gaining the lead 25-23 after Cho hit two free throws to close the half.

 

The Rainbow played solid defense, holding the Aggies to 39.1 percent shooting from the field and forcing 14 turnovers. Patterson came off the bench to score eight points and grab four rebounds to lift the UH offense.

 

The Rainbow Wahine continue their home stand on Sunday when they face Louisiana Tech on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m.