SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.— The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team pushed host Cal Poly to the limit Friday afternoon at the Mott Athletics Center but fell in overtime 79-71.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (3-5, 2-4) played into overtime for the first time this season while having their four-game win streak against Cal Poly snapped in the process. The Mustangs (8-5, 4-3) have now won three in a row after sweeping UC Riverside last week.
 
The final 10 minutes of regulation featured some of the tensest moments this season for UH, as they battled Cal Poly in a game featuring 18 lead changes and nine ties. The 'Bows hit five three-points in the final frame to keep the Mustangs in check, including a long range bucket from senior forward Amy Atwell with 36 seconds on the clock for a 62-60 lead.
 
Sierra Campisano answered for Cal Poly with a 15-foot jumper to tie the game up and 16 seconds on the clock. Freshman Olivia Davies was able to get a shot off in the final seconds for a potential game-winner but hit off the backside of the iron, forcing overtime.
 
In the extra five minutes, the Mustangs relied on Maddie Willet as she scored eight points, helping the host out score UH 17-9 for the eventual final.
 
Freshman Meilani McBee came off the bench and exploded with her first notable game for a team-high 19 points on 5-of-11 shooting from three-point territory in 24 minutes of action. Senior guard Jadynn Alexander followed with 16 points of her own, marking the fourth straight game she has scored double-digits. Davies started strong, scoring seven points in the opening quarter while finishing with 12 points, four assists, and four rebounds.
 
As a team, UH shot the three-ball at a frantic pace, hitting a season-high 15 three-points on 42 attempts, breaking a school record for three-point attempts in a game. The 'Bows kept their turnovers down at 15, compared to a season-high of 19 assists. Freshman point guard Kelsie Imai led the team with eight assists, collecting a new career-high.
 
Abby Ellis, the Big West Conference-leading scorer at 17.6 points per game, paved the way for the Mustangs with a game-high 27 points.
 
Game two between the 'Bows and Mustangs will occur tomorrow at 2 p.m. HT, concluding the season series.