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HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team defeated Sacramento State, 74-72 on Sunday night at The Nest in Sacramento, Calif., ending a four-game losing streak. UH improves to a 5-5, 0-0 Big West record.
 
The Rainbow Wahine remained on point from the field and finished the game 25-for-49 with a solid .510 field goal percentage. Despite their sharp shooting, UH struggled with 34 turnovers and ran in to a close call down the wire as the Hornets brought themselves within just one point in the final minute of play.
 
Sophomore Megan Huff led the Rainbow Wahine with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Senior Ashleigh Karaitiana also hit the double figures with 14 points and five rebounds, and led with three blocks with her final block denying the Hornet's last second three-point attempt at the buzzer.
 
Senior Destiny King led UH in rebounding with nine boards (two offensive, seven defensive), and also contributed nine points but ran into foul trouble in the final quarter. The 'Bows out-rebounded Sacramento State by a staggering 52-28.
 
In a close contest throughout the first half, UH took a seven point lead late in the first quarter but were unable to break away from the Hornets, who eventually climbed back to take a 37-36 lead at half time. The Rainbow Wahine footed its largest lead of the night midway through the third period, 52-43, but the Hornets recovered again and again. With Sac State close on their tail with just one minute remaining, Karaitiana pulled through at the free throw line to give the 'Bows their final basket, 74-72 with just three seconds on the clock.
 
Freshman Lahni Salanoa stepped onto the floor for the first time this season and did so in style with two treys and two boards. Meanwhile, sister Leah Salanoa made her first career start and finished strong with four rebounds and five points, including one trey.
 
UH continues its road trip as the Rainbow Wahine take on San Jose State, Dec. 22 at 3:00 p.m. PT/1:00 p.m. HT. The 'Bows will not return home until Jan. 2, when they host Pennsylvania at the Stan Sheriff Center.