Late-game struggles did in the Hawaii women’s basketball team in their Western Athletic Conference opener, a 74-58 loss against New Mexico State tonight at the Stan Sheriff Center.

UH (6-8, 0-1 WAC) trailed most of the way, but managed to pull within 49-46 on consecutive Breanna Arbuckle baskets early in the second half. It was all Aggies from there, as they outscored the Wahine 25-12 to close the game.

Lack of outside firepower was glaring. NMSU (7-8, 1-0) made seven 3-pointers to just one for UH.

The Wahine dropped their WAC opener for the fifth straight year, including two under second-year coach Dana Takahara-Dias.

Senior point guard Keisha Kanekoa led UH with 17 points, while freshman forward Kamilah Jackson added 12 points and nine rebounds.

Forward Tabytha Wampler led four Aggies players in double figures with 17 points.

UH, which trailed only 36-33 at halftime, hosts Louisiana Tech (9-5, 1-0) on Saturday.