ANAHEIM, Calif. — The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team advanced to its first Big West Tournament championship game since 2016 after a 66-58 victory over UC Riverside Friday in a semifinal match-up at the Honda Center.

 

The second-seeded Rainbow Wahine (15-15) will now face top-seeded UC Davis Saturday at 12:30 p.m. HT (3:30 p.m. PT), for the league's automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. UH handed the Aggies their only conference loss of the season, a 65-60 victory in Honolulu on Jan. 12.

 

Hawai'i will seek its third Big West Tournament title and first since the 2016 squad upended UC Davis for the championship. Under head coach Laura Beeman, the Rainbow Wahine have now advanced to three Big West title games and are 1-1.

 

"It's remarkable to see what this team is doing at this point in the season," said head coach Laura Beeman. "The last four games have been fun because we're playing up to our potential, but we're still making mistakes that we need to eliminate. We'll enjoy this for now, but we have a tough test tomorrow."

 

UH started strong outscoring the Highlanders (17-15) through the first two quarters for a 38-31 lead going into the half. The 'Bows limited their turnovers to eight in the first two frames, while only committing one foul, and assisted on 10 of 15 baskets. 

 

UCR worked its way back into the game in the third frame, pulling within two on two separate occasions, but UH never let go of the lead, staying firmly in the driver's seat. The Highlanders used a flurry of baskets in the fourth quarter to bring the game back to two at 57-55 with just under three minutes to go. The difference in the final moments came from  UH and the free throw line. 

 

Following a three-point play from senior Lahni Salanoa at the 1:20 mark, hitting a layup and a free throw, the 'Bows went on to hit seven straight from the charity stripe. Senior guard Tia Kanoa hit back-to-back attempts, followed by fellow guard, junior Courtney Middap cashing in on four straight. UH ended the game on 9-2 run to set up a date with UC Davis.  

 

Senior Tia Kanoa scored a career-high 19 points to lead the 'Bows, along with a team-high nine assists, six rebounds, and two steals. Senior guard Leah Salanoa added 11 points, hitting three three-pointers, and dished out four assists. 

 

In the paint, sophomore center Lauren Rewers and freshman center Myrrah Joseph turned in solid performances. Rewers accounted for nine points and eight rebounds, while Joseph came off the bench for six points and four boards. 

 

As a team, UH was plus-nine in rebounds with a 35-26 advantage. The bench played another vital role as UH outscored the Highlanders 18-0. 

 

Saturday's championship game with the Aggies will be streamed live on ESPN3. 

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