NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team surged past CSUN in the fourth quarter and completed a sweep of a Big West road trip with a 64-55 win over the Matadors on Saturday at Premier America Credit Union Arena in Northridge, Calif.
The Rainbow Wahine (10-9, 4-5 Big West) went on a 17-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters to turn a seven-point deficit into a 10-point lead with just over five minutes left and earned their fourth straight victory to match their longest winning streak of the season.
Freshman
Bailey Flavell scored 11 of her team-high 17 points in the fourth quarter and the UH defense held CSUN to 24% shooting from the field in the second half. Flavell hit a go-ahead 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter and went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line to help the 'Bows secure the win.
As a team, the 'Bows converted a season-high 23 free throws in 25 attempts, including a 15-for-16 performance in the fourth quarter, while overcoming an extended drought in the second quarter. UH posted its lowest scoring period of the season in a three-point second period and trailed 29-22 at halftime. But the 'Bows rallied with a 27-point fourth quarter, one shy of its season high.
Saniyah Neverson went 4-for-6 from the field and made all five of her free throws to finish with 13 points.
Imani Perez drained three 3-pointers and contributed 12 points and eight rebounds.
The host Matadors (6-12, 2-7) were led by Erika Aspajo's 20 points. Jite Gbemuotor posted a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
Coming off Thursday's win at CSU Bakersfield, UH closed the first quarter with a 7-0 run and opened up a 19-9 lead when
Keiara Curtis drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
CSUN answered with a 15-0 burst to start the second quarter to move ahead. The Matadors started 7-for-10 from the field while UH went 0 for 8 with six turnovers. Perez hit a corner 3-pointer at the 1:38 mark of the quarter to end UH's scoring drought and the 'Bows went into halftime trailing 29-22.
The Matadors maintained a seven-point cushion midway through the third period before
Teyahna Bond hit a 3-pointer from the corner and
Kyra Webb made two free throws to send UH into the final period down 39-37.
After Perez tied the game, Flavell connected on a 3-pointer to push the 'Bows into the lead. Perez later drained her third 3-pointer to cap UH's 17-point run, tying its largest of the season, and the 'Bows led 49-39 with just over five minutes remaining. CSUN closed to within five with 3:17 left, but UH went on a 9-0 run from the free-throw line to pull away.
The Rainbow Wahine return home for a two-game homestand starting with a rematch with Big West leader UC Irvine on Thursday, Jan. 29. UH will then host Long Beach State on Jan. 31 for this season's edition of "Beeman's Big Bash."
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