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VIDEO: Highlights/Post-Game Interviews (Courtesy of Ka Leo)

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine basketball team put together a solid defensive effort in taking down Cal State Northridge, 69-60, Saturday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
 
UH improved to 15-12 overall and 11-5 in the Big West with its fourth win in the last five games. With the win the Rainbow Wahine maintained their third place while remaining in striking distance of the top of the standings with two regular-season games left. UH is assured of a top four seed in the Big West Tournament in two weeks.
 
The Rainbow Wahine overcame a sluggish start and used a 22-2 run spanning the first and second halves to key the win.
 
Four players finished in double-digits for UH, led by senior Kamilah Jackson with 15 points. Sydney Haydel poured in a season-high 13 points, while Ashley Karaitiana and Shawna-Lei Kuehu each chipped in 12 points. Kuehu also grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out six assists and posted her second double-double of the season.
 
The Rainbow Wahine got off to a slow start, falling behind 11-6 in the first six minutes of the game. But that's when they ramped up the defense. UH held the Matadors scoreless for a nearly 10-minute stretch while scoring 13 unanswered points to take the lead. It was part of a 19-2 run that gave the 'Bows a 25-13 lead at the break. UH held the Matadors to just 22 percent shooting (5-of-23) in the first half.
 
UH took its biggest lead of the game, 28-13, in the opening minutes of the second half on a three-point play by Haydel. The Matadors (13-15, 7-9 Big West) did rally on a number of occasions in the second half and got as close to four points with 50 seconds remaining.   But it was too little, too late for CSUN as the Rainbow Wahine thwarted each Matador rally.
 
UH assured the win by shooting 62 percent in the second half. The Rainbow Wahine also forced 22 Matador turnovers for the game, an opponent season high. The 13 Matador first half points was also a season-low for an opponent this season.
 
The Rainbow Wahine will close out the regular season with a pair of home games next week, beginning with meeting versus UC Riverside on Thursday, March 7. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.