Laura Beeman has a simple solution for folks concerned about the logistics associated with an anticipated sellout for the University of Hawaii basketball doubleheader today.
RAINBOW WAHINE BASKETBALL
At Stan Sheriff Center
>> Who: UC Irvine (4-17, 1-6 Big West) vs. Hawaii (11-9, 4-3)
>> When: Today, 5:30 p.m.
>> TV: OC Sports
>> Radio: 1420-AM
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“Come early and watch us play,” the Rainbow Wahine coach said.
The Wahine open the evening by taking on UC Irvine at 5:30 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center, with the UH men’s team to face Long Beach State at 8.
With the Rainbow Warriors entering the night at 16-2 and 5-0 in Big West play, tickets were moving fast for the doubleheader and Beeman hopes fans will make a full night of it by filling the arena early.
“Our record isn’t 16-2, I get that. But we’re still your team, we’re still your student-athletes, we’re still the kids that are working seriously hard for you,” Beeman said.
“So happy and excited for (UH men’s coach) Eran (Ganot) and what he’s building … and to have a potential sellout is a tribute to him and what he’s doing.”
The Wahine (11-9, 4-3 BWC) open the evening by facing UC Irvine (4-17, 1-6) for the second time in nine days. UH pulled away from the Anteaters in an 83-65 win last week at the Bren Events Center and will be looking for its first Saturday win of the season.
The Wahine weathered a cold shooting night to hold off Cal State Fullerton 62-53 to open their homestead on Thursday. Destiny King, UH’s leading scorer at 10.1 points per game, powered a late surge and the Wahine bench provided 33 points. UH’s depth could be a key again, with starting center Kalei Adolpho expected to miss today’s game.
Adolpho took an elbow that bloodied her nose in the first half on Thursday and did not return.
“No break, but her nose is very sensitive and there’s no sense in rushing it and making her play timid, that’s not her game,” said Beeman, who hopes to have Adolpho back in the rotation for next week’s road trip to Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara.
Today’s game has also been designated Patsy T. Mink Night, and her brother, Eugene Takemoto, and his wife, Frances, will be honored on her behalf before tipoff.
“She has enabled all of us, including the men, to be in the position we are,” Beeman said of Mink’s legacy as co-author of Title IX. “I think it’s a great night to celebrate that.”
The UH ticket office will sell only men’s tickets for the doubleheader, which will allow entry for both games. Wahine season-ticket holders can find an open seat after the women’s game or purchase a men’s ticket to ensure a reserved seat.
At halftime of the Wahine game, Minion costume packs will be distributed to UH students for the “Cartoon Night” theme for the men’s game.
