Box Score

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai`i women's basketball team jumped in front of San Jose State early on Friday night and cruised to a 64-48 victory at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Wahine have now won two out of their last three WAC games.

 

With the win the Rainbow Wahine improve to 5-17 on the season and 2-7 in conference play. UH also avenged an earlier loss this season against San Jose State on the road. The Spartans fell to 2-20 overall and 1-8 in WAC action.

 

The Rainbow Wahine carried over its momentum from the first half into the second half. UH opened up a 20-point lead with just under 14 minutes left in the game. The Rainbow Wahine led from start to finish.

 

Overall UH was led by Tara Hittle, who recorded her second double-double of the year and the fourth of her career. Hittle had 12 points and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes of action.

 

Junior forward Dita Liepkalne scored 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting and Megan Tinnin added 10 points and seven rebounds. Off the bench Rebecca Dew scored seven points and grabbed three rebounds. Keisha Kanekoa set up the offense with six assists, to go along with eight points and six rebounds.

 

UH opened the game with a fast pace and opened up a 25-10 lead with under five minutes left in the first half.

 

The Rainbow Wahine played tough defense, forcing San Jose State into 13 turnovers and holding the Spartans to 31 percent shooting.

 

In the first 20 minutes Liepkalne led all scorers with nine points. Hittle added six points and six rebounds and Tinnin had four points and six rebounds.

 

The Rainbow Wahine hit the road for the second time in three weeks, traveling to Louisiana Tech and New Mexico State. UH faces Louisiana Tech on Friday, Feb. 13 and New Mexico State on Sunday, Feb. 15.