HONOLULU— The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team came up short to Florida Gulf Coast for the second time in eight days, 63-50, Saturday afternoon in the Rainbow Wahine Showdown inside SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (1-5) remain winless all-time against FGCU at 0-4 but narrowed the point margin from the 65-45 loss on Nov.18. The Eagles (5-1) showed why they're ranked No. 1 in the Mid-Major Top 25 poll, as their only loss on the season came the day before against No. 2 Stanford.
 
FGCU turned up the intensity right from the tip on UH, forcing 11 turnovers in the opening frame, leading to an 18-7 lead after the first 10 minutes. UH kept the Eagles in check in the final 30 minutes, matching FGCU in the second and third quarters, only allowing a two-point advantage in the fourth.
 
Sophomore guard Daejah Phillips led the Bows' with 15 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Graduate center Kallin Spiller cleaned the glass for the Bows' with a team-high 11 rebounds while providing six points, marking the fifth consecutive game of 10 or more rebounds. Freshman guard Jovi Lefotu shot 4-of-6 from the field to add another eight points to the cause.
 
The Eagles picked the Bows' pockets, forcing a season-high 24 turnovers to only losing 10, scoring 29 points off those miscues. The high-flying, long-range shooting from the Eagles made a significant difference as they went 10-of-37 from long range, while UH shot 4-for-13.
 
The Rainbow Wahine Showdown will conclude on Sunday as UH will take No. 2 Stanford at 2:30 p.m. HT. The Cardinal won their two games in the Showdown by 20 points or more, including a 37-point victory over Grambling State on Saturday.