Honolulu— The University of Hawai'I women's basketball team knocked off upstart Hawai'I Pacific 66-51 on Sunday afternoon at the Stan Sheriff Center.

 

With the victory over HPU and Idaho, the Rainbow Wahine (3-7) have won back-to-back games for the first time this season, and improve to 10-0 all-time versus the fellow Honolulu native program. The Sharks (3-4) will not have the game count as an exhibition and will play three more games this week against Chaminade, Holy Names, and Saint Martin's. 

 

"We started slow and without a lot of energy," said head coach Laura Beeman. "Give credit to HPU, they took it us today, especially early. But when we needed to step up and take control, we did, this is one of those games where you have to wipe away the ugly. Focus on what we did well, keep it, but away all the ugliness, and move on."

 

HPU kept the game close throughout as UH took a 28-27 lead into halftime, after a strong effort by the visiting squad. The third quarter proved to be a difference maker for the 'Bows, outscoring the Sharks by seven in the quarter. Junior guard Courtney Middap swung the offensive momentum in the third frame with nine points, including two three-point buckets and a three-point play midway through the quarter as she drove to the basket, notching a layup while drawing a hard foul, and converting the free throw. 

 

The fourth quarter saw UH hold off HPU, gradually adding to their lead for the eventual final. 

 

Junior forward Makenna Woodfolk picked up game-highs in both points and rebounds for her second double-double of the season, scoring 20 while wiping the glass clean with a career-high 15 boards. Woodfolk has now scored double-digits in five straight games, including her second consecutive game of 20 points or better. 

 

Middap's third quarter paved the way for a new career-high as she finished with 19 points on 4-of-6 from the floor, 3-for-4 from three-point territory, and 8-of-10 from the free throw line.  

 

The 'Bows will now go on a short hiatus due to  finals week and will be back in action on Dec. 19 for the Duel in the Desert in Las Vegas, Nevada. UH will face off first with the host of the event in UNLV, followed by a game with either Florida or Utah on Dec. 21. 

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