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HONOLULU - The University of Hawai`i women's basketball team concluded preseason play with a 64-54 loss to Pennsylvania (9-2, 0-0 Ivy League) on Saturday night at the Stan Sheriff Center. UH drops to a 7-6, 0-0 Big West record.
 
The Rainbow Wahine were held back by a first half lag but came back a little stronger in the third quarter, and hit a late spark in the fourth. After fighting back from a 17-point deficit, UH brought came within just three-points of the Quakers' lead with two minutes left in the game but fell just short in the end.
 
UH finished the night with shooting at .350 from the field, going 21-for-60. Despite having the upperhand over Penn's .328 FG%, the 'Bows committed 16 turnovers which ultimately gave away 13 points to the Quakers. For the first time this season, UH was out-rebounded, 42-41, Penn walking away with 16 offensive boards and six second-chance points.
 
Senior Connie Morris led the 'Bows with eight rebounds and 13 points (6-9 FGs) and one steal. Meanwhile, senior Destiny King contributed 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while point guard Briana Harris tied with Morris for a team-high eight boards and eight points.
 
Michelle Nwokedi led the Quakers with 20 points and 15 boards, while Anna Ross and Beth Brzozowski tied for 15 points each.
 
Both teams struggled to find the net in the first quarter, enduring three scoreless minutes until Penn extended to a 12-6 with a last minute 6-2 run. UH finished the period going two-for-nine from the field (.220 FG%) while the Quakers went six-for-20 from the field.
 
Midway through the second quarter, Penn's Brzozowski hit the first of the Quakers' three treys that period, igniting a 14-0 run over UH. Senior Marissa Wimbley ended a six-minute scoring drought for the Rainbow Wahine with a three-pointer at the buzzer, but the 'Bows went into halftime trailing 33-18. UH finished the half committing 12 turnovers, giving away nine points to the Quakers.
 
Out of intermission, the 'Bows responded with an 11-4 run to slowly chip away at Penn's lead to bring themselves within nine points, However, the Quakers were able to climb back for a 16-point advantage with one minute left after a trey by Nwokedi. Karaitiana was able to sink in a trey for UH with 30-seconds left, but the 'Bows would trail 48-35 to end the period.
 
UH officially opens Big West play on the road next week at Long Beach State, Jan. 7 and at UC Davis, Jan. 9 before returning to the Stan Sheriff Center in hopes of ending a three-game home losing streak as they host CSU Northridge on Jan. 14.
 
 

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