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Winning is becoming contagious for the Hawaii women’s basketball team.
Sophomore forward Vicky Tagalicod scored a career-high 20 points and sophomore forward Kamilah Jackson got close to the first triple-double in program history with 17 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead UH to a 72-63 win at Nevada on Thursday night.
The Rainbow Wahine (8-11 overall) earned their first 3-1 start to Western Athletic Conference play since the 2001-02 season.
"We’re learning how to win. We’re learning how to pull off and secure some wins under our belt," UH coach Dana Takahara-Dias said in a postgame phone interview. "It’s very contagious. The momentum from our (2-0 homestand last week) is critical as we gain confidence on the road."
Behind a 7-for-9 outing from Tagalicod, UH shot 55.1 percent from the field, compared to 31 percent for the Wolf Pack (5-14, 1-3). The Wahine put it away late by hitting seven of their last nine free throws.
"During practice I was kind of streaky," Tagalicod said. "As the game went on, (my shot) felt good. It kind of just came from working the offense. It wasn’t me creating by myself. It was a team thing — they set me up to be successful."
UH led by three at halftime, then rallied once the Pack went ahead 37-33 with 16:15 to play. Nevada’s Kate Kevorken tied it up at 43 with 12:30 left, then it was all UH. Point guard Alissa Campanero nailed the go-ahead 3-pointer.
UH will have a much more stern test at first-place Fresno State (16-4, 4-0) on Saturday. For now, though, the Wahine are tied for second after snapping an eight-game losing streak vs. Nevada.