HONOLULU - The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team snapped a three-game losing streak with a 71-68 final over Portland State on Sunday night at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
Offensive explosions from senior forward Amy Atwell, graduate center Kallin Spiller, and clutch shooting from freshman guard Meilani McBee paved the way to a nailbiter.
The Bows started fast and rattled off a 13-2 run, with eight points coming from Atwell, as she finished with 29 points. Her performance marked the second time in her career she notched back-to-back 20 plus point games, dating back to February of last year against Long Beach State.
Spiller was the other double-digit scorer with a season-high 20 points and with eight boards. Spiller took over the fourth quarter, where she put up nine points, including a pair of free throws that regained the lead with 53 seconds left at 66-65.
The clutch performance came from freshman guard Meilani McBee when she drained two three-pointers in the final two minutes, including a three to regain the lead at 69-68 with 16 seconds on the clock. McBee finished with eight points on 75% shooting.
The Vikings came out flat in the first quarter but went on to outscore Hawai'i in the next three frames. PSU was led by freshman guard Esmeralda Morales who notched a team-high 20 points.
As Portland State continued to close the gap, a key difference-maker came at the free-throw line, where the 'Bows had their most efficient night shooting 80% 16-of-20 from the stripe. Hawai'i also outrebounded the Vikings 42-36, including 12 offensive boards.
Spiller was selected to the All-Tournament team, with Atwell also receiving the award for Most Outstanding Player.
The Bows are back in action the day after Thanksgiving, where they host the Rainbow Wahine Showdown. Tipoff is at 2:30 p.m. Friday against Eastern Illinois.
Most Outstanding Player
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Amy Atwell
All-Tournament Team
-Gerlyn Smith, PV A&M
-Alex Fowler, Portland
-Haylee Andrews, Portland
-Esmeralda Morales, Portland State University
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Kallin Spiller, UH
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