HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team rebounded with a 67-57 win over UC Irvine Saturday afternoon inside SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
 
An efficient night of shooting and the ability to get to the charity stripe in the second half helped the Rainbow Wahine (13-9, 9-3) reclaim the top spot in the conference. The Anteaters (15-10, 10-4) will meet up with Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach State next week as the conference schedule is in its final two weeks.
 
The 'Bows had a complete turnaround from Thursday night's poor shooting performance. UH spread the floor in the first quarter, shooting 10-for-14, and took a 25-16 lead into the second quarter. UCI managed to close the gap in the second and overtaking UH 29-27 with 4:14 remaining. Graduate forward Amy Atwell took over in the final minutes converting two and-ones, including a four-point play. Atwell had 15 first-half points helping keep the game tied at 35-35 heading into the locker room.
 
The Wahine started the third frame on a 9-0 run, taking a lead they would not give back. Down the stretch, the 'Bows got to the free-throw line, converting 14-for-18 in the second half, giving them the momentum needed to put the game out of reach.
 
Atwell secured her fifth double-double with 25 points and 13 boards. Graduate forward Kallin Spiller was the other major contributor to the Wahine offense as she added 15 points and four rebounds in 16 minutes of action.
 
The 'Bows hit the road beginning with CSU Bakersfield on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. HT.