Wahine look to keep groove against Cal Poly

Cal Poly visits the Stan Sheriff Center today with a full week to prepare for a Big West women’s basketball rematch against Hawaii.

The Rainbow Wahine counter with the momentum of a run of three wins in their last four games — including a victory over the Mustangs last week in California — heading into the finale of their regular-season series.

“It’s tough playing a team for a second time in 10 days, and they’ve had a bye so they’re going to come in here pretty fresh,” UH coach Laura Beeman said. “I think for us, we’re better when we’re rolling and grooving.

“Right now I wouldn’t want a bye. Right now I want us to play and continue to get our chemistry.”

The Rainbow Wahine and Mustangs, both 7-11 overall and 3-3 in Big West play, meet in the first game of today’s UH basketball doubleheader at the Sheriff Center. The women’s “Green Out” game tips off at 5 p.m., with the men’s game between UH and UC Santa Barbara to follow at 7:30.

The Wahine maintained their recent groove with a 79-62 rout of UC Irvine on Thursday, when all 10 players who saw action scored. Freshman Julissa Tago was the only UH player to log over 30 minutes “and that was my fault. I should have taken her out a little bit sooner,” Beeman said. “But across the board I thought we did a good job saving legs and we’re going to be ready to play (today).”

Sophomores Lahni and Leah Salanoa combined for 30 points, nine rebounds and six 3-pointers against UCI and seven UH players scored at least six points in a collective 51 percent shooting night.

“I think it gives the starting five on the floor confidence to know that we’re going to get points and rebounds and productivity off the bench,” Beeman said after the UH reserves provided 29 points. “I think that gives you a sense of being able to play more loose and more free.”

UH shot a season-best 57 percent in its 87-79 win at Cal Poly on Jan. 19, led by Briana Harris’ 24 points and Sarah Toeaina’s 23.

Today’s rematch against the Mustangs also will feature a renewal of an on-court rivalry between the Salanoa sisters and Cal Poly twins Dynn and Lynn Leaupepe that dates back to middle school.

Lynn Leaupepe scored 21 points against UH last week, followed with a 26-point, 11-rebound performance in a win over Cal State Northridge and was named the Big West Player of the Week.

Lynn Leaupepe ranks fourth in the conference in scoring at 15.9 points per game, with Dynn, who won the Big West award two weeks ago, sixth at 14.4. Forward Hannah Gilbert is averaging 14.1 points and 6.4 rebounds.

“Working on transition defense was a big key when we played over there,” Lahni Salanoa said. “It’s going to be the same thing. They’re going to come after us.”