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HONOLULU—The University of Hawai`i women's basketball team opened its season with a 60-51 win over UH-Hilo on Friday night at the Stan Sheriff  Center. Sophmore forward Kamilah Jackson recorded her first double-double of the season with game-highs of 15 points and 15 rebounds.
 
Jackson shot 5-of-13 from the floor and sank 5-of-6 from the free throw line. She also had two assists, a block and a steal on the night. It was Jackson's 14th career double-double. In her UH debut, sophomore guard Kanisha Bello chipped in 14 points, three rebounds and a block. Senior center Rebecca Dew shot 5-of-8 from the floor for 10 points—all in the first half—with six rebounds. Senior forward Courtney Gaddis scored a career high nine points and grabbed three rebounds.
 
Hawai`i took advantage of their height, outscoring their sister school, 28-8 in points in the paint. The Vulcans however sunk eight 3-pointers in the first half to keep the game close, but they could not keep up with the pace and sunk just 3-of-13 in the second stanza and shot 20% for the game. Overall, UH shot 38.5% (20-for-52) from the floor and 81% (15-of-18) from the free throw line.
 
The Rainbow Wahine led the Vulcans, 39-34 at the break. But after the half, UH came out on a mission to shut-down the perimeter shooting of UHH. Hawai`i bolted out on a  12-to-3 run and later built as big a lead as a 16 point lead with 9:33 left in the game, 53-37.  But UH-Hilo would fight back to close the game to within nine in the end.
 
The Vulcans were led by Natalie Mata, who scored 12 points off the bench all in the first half. Mata and Kirsty Imai each led their squad with five rebounds.
 
The 'Bows will next play in the Jack in the Box Rainbow Wahine Classic beginning on Friday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Nov. 21. Coming to town are DePaul, San Diego State and Portland.