HONOLULU — Back in SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center for the first time in over a month, the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team enjoyed a rousing homecoming in a 67-43 win over Cal State Bakersfield on Thursday night.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (5-6, 2-0 Big West) broke out to a 21-5 lead in the first quarter and turned in their stingiest defensive performance of the season in their conference home opener. The 'Bows never trailed on their way to their eighth straight win in the series with the Roadrunners (4-8, 1-2) and first home game since a 73-47 win over San Jose State on Dec. 3.
 
UH guard Lily Wahinekapu hit three 3-pointers and led a balanced offensive attack with a season-high 15 points. Forward Imani Perez finished with 10 points and 10 of the 11 UH players who saw playing time scored at least three points.
 
Forward Brooklyn Rewers added nine points and blocked three shots and guard Daejah Phillips tied her career high with 10 rebounds while contributing seven points. Freshman center Vivienne Berrett celebrated her birthday with a season-high seven points and three boards and UH won the rebounding battle 41-30.
 
The Rainbow Wahine shot 45% from the field and hit nine 3-pointers with six players draining at least one from beyond the arc. They also finished 12 for 14 from the free-throw line with Perez going 6 for 6.
 
On the defensive end, CSUB's 43 points was the lowest total allowed by UH this season and the Roadrunners' 27.1% shooting was the second lowest mark against the 'Bows. The Roadrunners' point total was also the lowest surrendered by UH since a 54-43 win at San Jose State on Dec. 21, 2022.
 
UH guard Olivia Davies triggered the rout with a 3-pointer on the game's opening possession and went on to distribute a team-high four assists.
 
The 'Bows went on to hit five of eight 3-point attempts in their highest scoring opening quarter of the season. They also held the Roadrunners to 2-for-15 shooting and opened up a 21-5 lead when freshman Jade Peacock hit a 3-pointer off an assist from Davies.
 
UH again held CSUB to single-digit scoring in the second quarter and took a 36-14 lead into halftime after Phillips rebounded her own miss and scored on the putback with nine seconds left in the half.
 
The 'Bows led 52-26 going into the fourth quarter and Wahinekapu finished off the win with eight points, including two 3-pointers in the final 10 minutes.

The Rainbow Wahine conclude the homestand on Saturday against CSUN (2-10, 0-2) at 7 p.m at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.