HONOLULU — The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team gave an "Education Day" crowd of elementary school students some mid-day drama before pulling out a 69-64 victory over Louisiana Monroe in the opening game of the Bank of Hawai'i Classic on Friday at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
With more than 1,200 students providing a high-volume atmosphere in the arena, the Rainbow Wahine saw a 16-point third-quarter lead evaporate late in the period. But
Lily Wahinekapu pushed the 'Bows ahead entering the fourth and UH (2-1) protected the lead in the final minutes to fend off the Warhawks (3-2).
Wahinekapu led UH with 20 points and hit three 3-pointers and fellow senior
Daejah Phillips finished with 13 points and a team-high six assists. Freshman center
Ritorya Tamilo got the start in her home debut and contributed 12 points on 6-for-8 shooting from the field, grabbed eight rebounds, blocked five shots and came up with three steals.
Tamilo's production inside contributed to UH's 38-16 advantage in points in the paint.
ULM guard Jakayla Johnson scored 24 of her game-high 25 points in the second half to spark the Warhawks' comeback. ULM went 22 for 26 from the free-throw line, including 15 for 16 in the third quarter.
Wahinekapu hit two 3-pointers in the first quarter to help UH take a 16-11 lead through 10 minutes.
Imani Perez connected from long range to open the scoring in the second quarter and Wahinekapu's third 3-pointer extended the lead to 26-14.
The 'Bows took a 35-25 lead into halftime and opened up their widest margin of the afternoon Phillips finished a fast break with a layup. ULM went on a 17-3 run with 14 points coming from the foul line and the Warhawks tied the game at 50-50 on two Nya Valentine free throws with one minute left in the period.
Wahinekapu scored on a drive to give UH the lead going into the final period and Phillips opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer. Johnson hit three 3-pointers to keep ULM close and the Warhawks twice closed to within a point. UH responded both times with Tamilo and Wahinekapu scoring on jumpers in the paint.
Wahinekapu and
MeiLani McBee combined to make three free throws in the final 26 seconds to close out the win.
The Rainbow Wahine close out the tournament by taking on Eastern Washington on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
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