HONOLULU — The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team turned up the defense in the second half and the Rainbow Wahine protected their home court in a 65-51 win over San Francisco in the Bank of Hawai'i Classic on Friday at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (1-2) hit 12 3-pointers and took control by outscoring the Dons 16-8 in the third quarter on their way to picking up their first victory of the season and winning their home opener for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
 
UH center Brooklyn Rewers hit a career high three 3-pointers and finished with 16 points and eight rebounds in her official home debut. The Michigan State transfer has led UH in scoring in all three games this season, averaging 14.3 points on .484 shooting from the field while going 5-for-8 from 3-point range.

Guard Olivia Davies also drained three from long range in a 13-point performance and guard Lily Wahinekapu returned from a one-game absence to score eight points and distribute eight assists. Wahinekapu also help spark the defense with three steals. Sophomore forward Imani Perez added eight points, with two 3-pointers, and 10 rebounds.
 
UH held San Francisco (1-3) to 29.7% shooting from the field, including a 2-for-17 showing in the third quarter when the 'Bows went on a 14-0 run to take command.
 
The 'Bows hit six 3-pointers in each half while the Dons went 1 for 10 behind the arc after halftime.
 
After missing a game for the first time in her collegiate career in UH's loss at Santa Clara on Nov. 11, Wahinekapu announced her return by scoring UH's first bucket at home this season. Guard Ashley Thoms drained UH's first 3-pointer before San Francisco took its lone lead of the game at 7-5 at the 6:21 mark of the first quarter. Perez gave UH the lead back with a 3-pointer and the 'Bows didn't trail for the remainder of the game.
 
The first half remained close with UH taking a 29-27 lead into the break. San Francisco scored first in the third quarter to tie the game, but Rewers drained a 3-pointer to ignite the 14-0 run. The surge included a 3-pointer from Davies, who capped the run with a driving layup while drawing a foul.
 
UH led 45-35 going into the fourth quarter and opened up a 16-point cushion at 54-38 when Daejah Phillips scored inside with 6:21 left in the game.
 
San Francisco would get no closer than nine the rest of the way and UH celebrated a home-opening win for the first time since a 61-58 win over San Diego State on Nov. 5, 2019.
 
Guard Jasmine Gayles led San Francisco with 16 points on 5-for-19 shooting from the field. Debora Dos Santos added 11 points for the Dons.
 
The Bank of Hawai'i Classic closes on Sunday with UH taking on Idaho (2-1), which defeated Cal State Fullerton 56-48 in the first game of the tournament doubleheader.  The Rainbow Wahine and Vandals meet in the tournament finale at 5 p.m.