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The University of Hawaii women’s basketball team opened its defense of the Big West regular-season title with a 67-55 win over Long Beach State today at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, Calif.
UH guard Sarah Toeaina led the Rainbow Wahine with 14 points. Destiny King finished with 11 points and Kalei Adolpho added 10 points and 10 rebounds. Senior forward Ashleigh Karaitiana contributed seven points to go over 1,000 for her career.
The Wahine shot 42 percent from the field, outrebounded LBSU 52-29 and never trailed while improving to 6-0 on the road this season.
The Rainbow Wahine (8-6, 1-0 BWC) continue their opening road trip of the Big West season at UC Davis on Saturday.
The Wahine jumped out to a 7-0 lead for force LBSU (11-4, 0-1) to take an early timeout and shot just under 48 percent in the first quarter while committing two turnovers.
UH led 25-13 going into the second quarter and went up by 15 when Marissa Wimbley hit a jumper with 6:33 left in the period. But four UH turnovers helped fuel a 10-0 Long Beach State run and the 49ers trailed 29-24 when Raven Benton hit a step-back 3 with 2:23 left in the half.
UH led 35-30 at halftime and Long Beach State closed to within a point in the third and fourth quarters, but the Wahine answered both times to maintain the lead.
After Benton hit two free throws to cut UH’s lead to 47-46 early in the fourth quarter, King hit a jumper and Adolpho scored on a layup off an assist from Karaitiana. Toeaina’s 3-pointer capped an 11-4 spurt that gave UH a 58-50 lead.
UH’s lead reached double figures again when Karaitiana fed Megan Huff for a layup to give the Wahine a 63-52 lead with 2:20 left.
Benton led LBSU with 23 points before fouling out late in the game.
Like Benton from LBS. UH still not there, had some sloppy plays.
It’s a win, but too much turnovers and I don’t understand shooting three pointers when you not good at it. Need to play smarter as a team, the talent is there.
Megan Huff came in towards the end, scoring 2 pts and 5 rebounds, effectively filling in for Adolpho who had 4 fouls.
Adolpho gives them muscle and energy. I like the way she plays.
Much better game. Team looked more focused and showed more hustle. Good luck on Sat.