IRVINE, Calif. — A defensive duel came down to the final possession before the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team came up just short in a 50-47 loss to Big West leader UC Irvine on Saturday at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif.
 
The team traded extended runs and Rainbow Wahine led at the end of each of the first three periods while holding the host Anteaters, the Big West's highest scoring team, more than 20 points under their average. But UC Irvine built a seven-point lead midway through the fourth quarter and held on late to remain undefeated in conference play.
 
UH dropped its fourth straight to fall to 6-9 overall and 0-5 in the Big West season. UC Irvine (14-2, 5-0) extended its winning streak to 14 consecutive victories.
 
UH's freshman combo of Keiara Curtis and Bailey Flavell combined for 25 points and seven 3-pointers to led the Rainbow Wahine offense. Flavell led the 'Bows with 13 points and dished out a season-high six assists with just one turnover. Curtis hit a season-best four 3-pointers to account for her 12 points in her fifth straight game in double figures.
 
Senior forward Imani Perez added 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Perez also had two of UH's eight blocked shots.
 
UC Irvine entered the game leading the Big West with 73.5 points per game, and was held to its second lowest total of the season while shooting 29.8% from the field. The Anteaters scratched out enough just offense against the UH defense to end the 'Bows' four-game winning streak in the series between the teams.
 
Hunter Hernandez led UCI with 20 points and Jada Wynn added 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
 
The Rainbow Wahine defense posted seven blocks in the first half and held UC Irvine to 21.4% shooting from the field to take a 21-18 lead into halftime. Perez knocked down a jumper on the game's opening possession and the 'Bows led for just over 18 minutes in the first half.
 
UC Irvine scored the first 12 points of the third quarter while UH started 0-for-8 from the field before Flavell drained her second 3-pointer to spark a 14-3 UH run to end the period. The 'Bows reclaimed the lead at 33-30 when Perez drained her second 3-pointer of the quarter. UC Irvine tied the game again but a putback by Ritorya Tamilo just before the buzzer gave UH a 35-33 lead going into the fourth quarter.
 
UC Irvine again went on a run and took a 45-38 lead at the 5:37 mark on a Hernandez 3-pointer. Curtis drained a 3 to end the surge and UH closed to 45-44 on Flavell's third 3-pointer. Wynn and Curtis traded triples and UH trailed 48-47 with 2:10 left. UC Irvine had possession in the final minute and an offensive rebound led to Wynn hitting a jumper in the paint to extend the margin to three with 20 seconds remaining. UH called a timeout with 5 seconds showing and a final shot came up empty to end the game.
 
The Rainbow Wahine return to Mānoa for a two-game homestand starting Thursday, Jan. 15 against Cal Poly. They'll also face UC Santa Barbara on Saturday, Jan. 17. Both games are set for 7 p.m. at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.