Box Score

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team made a valiant comeback in the second half but eventually fell to Fresno State, 83-68, Sunday, in a Western Athletic Conference affair at the Stan Sheriff Center.

 

The Rainbow Wahine (10-18, 4-11 WAC) trailed by 18 at the half and as many as 21 in before closing to within seven twice in the second half. UH shot a blistering 63.6 percent after intermission but could not overcome the deep hole they were put in the first half.

 

The Bulldogs (21-7, 12-2) missed their first eight 3-point attempts but finished 10-of-35 for the game. Jaleesa Ross led the Bulldogs with a game-high 25 points, including five 3-pointers. Fresno State also amassed 18 offensive rebounds which translated to a 33-1 advantage in second chance points.

 

After falling behind 50-32 at the break, UH shot 14-of-22 in the second half and twice closed the deficit to seven – at 62-55 with 9:07 and 74-67 with 2:34 left to play. But each time, the Bulldogs found an answer.

 

A 14-3 run during a five minute span pulled UH to within 62-55 but consecutive buckets by Rosie Moult and Ross extended the Bulldog lead back to double digits. Down the stretch, Keisha Kanekoa's triple closed to the deficit to 74-67 but on Fresno State's ensuing possession, Moult answered with a huge three of her own.

 

Kanekoa and Breanna Arbuckle led the Rainbow Wahine with 16 points each. Kanekoa drained two 3-pointers and had six assists while Arbuckle was 7-of-10 from the field and had five assists. Guard Megan Tinnin added 15 points and a pair from long range.

 

In the first half, Fresno State broke open the game with a 9-0 run for a 27-14 lead at the 8:45 mark. Moments later, a 9-1 run gave the Bulldogs their largest lead of the half at 46-25.

 

The Rainbow Wahine didn't help themselves in the first half, converting only 4-of-11 free throw attempts while allowing 11 offensive rebounds to Fresno State who capitalized for a 17-0 advantage in second chance points.

 

Hawai'i will close out the regular season by hosting Utah State, Thursday, March 3 for Senior Night. Five Rainbow Wahine – Tinnin, Kanekoa, Julita Bungaite, Allie Patterson, and Mai Ayabe – will play their final game at the Stan Sheriff Center. Tip-off is 7:00 p.m.