HONOLULU – The Hawai'i women's basketball team is ready for its 2017-18 home-opener this week as it hosts the 39th Annual Bank of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine Classic with games against Northern Arizona (Nov. 17 7:00 p.m.) an San Diego (Nov. 19, 5:00 p.m.). Boise State will also participate in the tournament.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (1-1) are coming off a road split over the first weekend of the season, bouncing back from a disappointing performance in the season-opener at Portland with a convincing win at Seattle U.
 
UH players turned in several head-turning performances in the season's first two games. Sophomore Julissa Tago exploded for 28 points in the season-opener at Portland, and scored 15 more at Seattle U, bringing a scoring average of 21.5 points per game into the week. Classmate Makenna Woodfolk had career-highs with 15 points and 15 rebounds for her second career double-double in UH's win at Seattle U.
 
Junior Tia Kanoa handed out 10 assists in Hawai'i's win at Seattle U, becoming the first Rainbow Wahine player with 10 or more assists in a game since March of 1992. Reigning first-team all-Big West selection Sarah Toeaina, the lone UH senior this season, averaged 10.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game to kick off her senior campaign.
 
Hawai'i will have its hand full defensively when it welcomes NAU to the Stan Sheriff Center on Friday. Despite an 0-2 record after the opening week of the season, the Lumberjacks are averaging 88.0 points per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 41.0 percent from 3-point range. NAU made a total 16 3-pointers in its first two games, led by 10 from Kenna McDavis, on just 20 attempts. The Lumberjacks, led by first-year head coach Loree Payne, have been unable to convert the eye-popping offense into victories after allowing opponents to shoot 48.5 percent from the field and score 92.0 points per game in their first two contests.
 
UH and San Diego will meet for the first time since the 2013 WNIT in the Rainbow Wahine Classic finale. The Toreros took a 61-49 victory in that meeting against Hawai'i, their only victory in five tries against the Rainbow Wahine. USD is 1-0 on the season after an 82-53 win over San Diego Christian in the season-opener. The Toreros will face Southern Utah (Nov. 14) before heading opening up the Rainbow Wahine Classic against Boise State on Nov. 17.
 
The tournament marks the start of a seven-game home-stretch for Hawai'i. UH will play three games in three days as part of the Rainbow Wahine Showdown, facing Marist (Nov. 24), Purdue (Nov. 25) and USC (Nov. 26). Montana State (Dec. 4) and Idaho State (Dec. 8) will also visit the Stan Sheriff Center before the 'Bows hit the road again.
 
Game 3
Who: Hawai'i (1-1) vs. Northern Arizona (0-2)
When: Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 (7:00 p.m.)
Where: Stan Sheriff Center (10,300) – Honolulu, O'ahu
Television: Spectrum Sports – Jim Leahey (play-by-play) and Lori Santi (color)
Streaming Video: HawaiiAthletics.com
Radio: ESPN 1420 AM
Audio Webcast: ESPN1420.com
Live Stats: HawaiiAthletics.com
Promotions: Bank of Hawaii is the tournament sponsor and will distribute 100 tote bags one hour prior to each UH game. Sign up at the sports marketing table near Gate A for your chance to win over $200 in gift cards during the Bank of Hawaii at halftime contest. Friday's game is a "White Out" and fans are encouraged to wear UH-branded white attire. Coach Laura Beeman will meet and greet with fans in the pregame at Gate A and the team will conduct a brief post-game question and answer session. 
 
Game 4
Who: Hawai'i (1-1) vs. San Diego (1-0)
When: Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017 (5:00 p.m.)
Where: Stan Sheriff Center (10,300) – Honolulu, O'ahu
Television: None
Streaming Video: HawaiiAthletics.com
Radio: ESPN 1420 AM
Audio Webcast: ESPN1420.com
Live Stats: HawaiiAthletics.com
Promotions: Bank of Hawaii is the tournament sponsor and will distribute 100 tote bags one hour prior to each UH game. Sign up at the sports marketing table near Gate A for your chance to win over $200 in gift cards during the Bank of Hawaii at halftime contest. Sunday's contest is a Free Youth Game and "Daughter's Night Out." Families can get $1 tickets for up to four daughters at the Stan Sheriff Center Ticket Office on game day. There will also be an autograph session with the Rainbow Wahine basketball team following the game.