IRVINE, CALIF.— The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team fell on the road to UC Irvine, 82-68, on Friday afternoon at the Bren Events Center.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (3-4, 2-3) have had their struggles on the road, dropping their first three games away from the islands to start the season. The Anteaters (8-5, 5-0) remain undefeated in conference play and stay atop the Big West's standings.
 
UCI jumped out to an early lead with efficient shooting and a full-court press, stalling the UH attack. Going into the game, UH ranked No. 1 in the conference with scoring defense, holding opponents to 56 points per game. The Anteaters scored 41 points in the opening 20 minutes, hitting 53% from the floor and 42% from beyond the arc. While defensively, the press led to 10 UH turnovers and 11 points off those turnovers, putting the game at a 41-27 disadvantage for the 'Bows.
 
The second half was a repeat of the first as UCI built on its lead with the same formula. The Anteaters finished the day hitting 51% from the floor, forcing 20 UH turnovers, and tallying 10 steals. UCI accumulated 28 points off turnovers, compared to UH at six.
 
The 'Bows played one of their better offensive games as a team, hitting 42% from the floor compared to their season average of 37%, and was nearly spotless from the free-throw line at 19-of-20. Rebounding was also a high point, as they outrebounded UCI 37-26.
 
Senior forward Amy Atwell led the way with 16 points, three rebounds, and two blocks. Atwell hit four three-pointers in the game, moving her ahead of Melanie Azama in career made three-pointers at No. 9 with 108.
 
For the second consecutive game, sophomore Kasey Neubert flirted with a double-double but fell one rebound short, finishing with 12 points and nine boards. Freshman point guard Kelsie Imai continues to improve as a steady component in the lineup with 12 points and six assists in 29 minutes of action.
 
The 'Bows will have a chance at redemption tomorrow when the two squads wrap up their season series at 2:00 p.m. HT.