HILO, Hawai'i — The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team broke away in the second quarter then held on in the second half in a 69-50 exhibition win over Hawai'i Hilo on Sunday at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
 
In the program's first visit to the Big Island since 2010, the Rainbow Wahine built a 29-9 lead going into halftime before the host Vulcans closed to within 11 with a 23-point third quarter. Brooklyn Rewers helped the 'Bows reestablish control early in the fourth quarter
 
Rewers led the Rainbow Wahine with 13 points on 4-for-5 shooting from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Guard Lily Wahinekapu finished with 11 points, three assists and three steals. Freshman center Ritorya Tamilo hit all four of her shots from the field to also finish with 11 points
 
In her return to the Big Island, senior guard Kelsie Imai, a graduate of Waiākea High School, posted eight points, three assists and two steals. Jade Peacock hit two of UH's five 3-pointers.
 
Twelve Rainbow Wahine players saw action in the first quarter and Rewers and Jovi Lefotu hit early 3-pointers to help the 'Bows take an 8-7 lead through 10 minutes. Daejah Phillips hit her first two shots of the second quarter and the 'Bows outscored the Vulcans 21-2 in the period to take command.
 
Rewers hit all three of her field-goal attempts in the half, wile Lefotu had six points in her return to the rotation after redshirting last season. Imani Perez had six rebounds to help the 'Bows build a 29-9 lead going into halftime.
 
UH Hilo hit its first six shots of the third quarter and later cut the 'Bows lead to 11 at 41-30 when Kaile Cruz hit a 3-pointer. Wahinekapu answered with a jumper but the Vulcans closed out a 23-point quarter to trail 43-32 going into the final period.
 
Rewers scored six points early in the fourth quarter and Wahinekapu converted a steal into a layup to extend the lead to 51-34.
 
The Rainbow Wahine will complete their island-hopping exhibitions with a matchup against Chaminade on Nov. 2 on Maui. The 'Bows and Silverswords meet the first game of a free doubleheader with the men's program at the Kamehameha-Maui campus in Pukalani. The women's game is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the men's game to follow at 5 p.m. The weekend on the Valley Isle will also feature a keiki clinic on Friday, Nov. 1 at Lahainaluna High School from 5-6 p.m. The free clinic is open to keiki from grade 4-6. Space is limited and registration can be completed here.