BAKERSFIELD, CALIF.— Senior forward Amy Atwell scored a season-high 23 points as the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team dropped the second game of the weekend against CSU Bakersfield, 51-43 Saturday afternoon at the Icardo Center.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (1-3, 0-2) were held to 43 points, marking the program's lowest point total since Dec. 6, 2019, in a 64-32 loss at Oregon State. UH was only held under 50 points three times a season ago, against the Beavers, the other two against UC Davis. The Roadrunners (4-4, 2-2) move to the .500 mark on the season in their overall record and their conference record.
 
The opening five minutes featured a different start for UH compared to the day before as the 'Bows jumped out to an 8-0 lead. Atwell scored the game's first seven points, but shortly after, the 'Bows went cold from the floor. UH shot 16 percent (4-24) from the floor, and nine percent (1-11) from beyond the arch, as the Runners went on a 19-6 run, ending the first half up 19-14.
 
After scoring a season-low four points in the second quarter, the UH offense began to come alive in the second half as Atwell led the charge. Trailing by double digits at 39-27 in fourth, Atwell hit three long-range three-pointers and two free throws to pull the visitors within four at 44-40 with 1:10 on the clock.
 
The Runners held their lead in the later moments due to their free-throw shooting, hitting 5-of-6 down the stretch for the eventual 51-43 final. On the night, CSUB maintained its lead due to their efforts at the charity stripe, hitting 18-of-25 for 72%. Compared to UH, shooting 11-of-20 for 55%.
 
While Atwell was the lone Rainbow Wahine to score in double-digits, freshman guard Daejah Phillips contributed six points and a season-high 10 rebounds. UH controlled the glass as a team, outrebounding the Runners 48 to 33, including 18 offensive rebounds, resulting in 16-second chance points.
 
Turnovers proved to be an issue again for the 'Bows as they committed 22 miscues while the Runners tallied six steals. As a result, the home squad capitalized with 18 points off turnovers. UH has committed 20 or more turnovers in three of four games this season.
 
UH will now return to the islands for its first home games since Dec. 20 by hosting Cal State Fullerton on Friday and Saturday.