Honolulu— The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team rode a balanced offensive attack, and tenacious defensive effort to its 67-51 win over Seattle University on Sunday afternoon at the Stan Sheriff Center in the final game of the Bank of Hawai'i Classic.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (1-4) notched their first win of the season holding SU to just 32 percent shooting from the floor. The Red Hawks (0-4) continue to struggle as they are winless to start their season after winning the WAC tournament championship in 2017-18.
 
"We played a lot better today, and we didn't beat ourselves," said head coach Laura Beeman. "The first four games we kept doing things to hurt ourselves, and it felt like we limited those problems this afternoon. This team has such a high ceiling. If we continue to work and focus on the four things we discuss in practice, we'll keep getting better. Right now, we are only doing two of the four; we want to be four-for-four as we move on throughout the year."
 
The defensive style of the 'Bows caused problems throughout the game for the Red Hawks, causing two separate spurts of SU being held scoreless for over six minutes. UH forced 17 turnovers, resulting in 15 points off turnovers. The most telling stat of the night was the battle on the glass as UH controlled the rebounding totals for the second straight game. The 'Bows outrebounded SU 37-23 overall and pulled down eight offensive rebounds in the process.
 
Junior guard Julissa Tago led the 'Bows in scoring with 13 points, as UH had four players crack double-digits. Tago and fellow junior guard Savannah Reier led the way off the bench, as Reier added 10 points. The 'Bows' bench outscored the Red Hawks' secondary lineup 30-8 on the night.
 
Senior guards Leah Salanoa and Tia Kanoa provided stability, as Salanoa notched her fourth game of the season in double figures with 12 points, along with six rebounds. Kanoa picked up 11 points while going 7-of-8 from the free throw line.
 
As a team, UH went 20-for-25 at the charity stripe for 80 percent, matching a similar performance against Pepperdine in the first game of the season, hitting 25-of-29.
 
UH will have a few days to regroup, as they'll host the Rainbow Wahine Showdown at SSC beginning on Friday, Nov. 23. The event will go for three consecutive days, as the 'Bows will host American, Florida Gulf Coast, and Stanford in ascending days, starting with American on Friday at 7:00 p.m. HT.
 
2018 Bank of Hawai'i Class Tournament Team
MVP-Aari McDonald
G-Leah Salanoa
G-Kamira Sanders
G-Haylee Andrews
G-Darian Slaga
F-Cate Reese