Hawaii women’s basketball team wins Big West title, earns NCAA berth

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Hawaii players celebrate after winning the Big West Conference tournament.

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Hawaii players celebrate after winning the Big West Conference tournament.

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From left to right, UC Irvine guard Chloe Webb (2), Hawaii forward Amy Atwell (25) and UC Irvine guard Deja Lee (13) go after a ball during the first half.

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Hawaii guard Nae Nae Calhoun drives the ball near UC Irvine guard Kayla Williams.

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HENDERSON, Nev. >> Spurred by an energetic second-half effort, the University of Hawaii women’s basketball team surged to a 59-48 victory over UC Irvine to win the Big West Championships and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

The Rainbow Wahine will learn their destination during Sunday’s nationally televised selection show.

The Wahine trailed 26-21 at the half, and their best player Amy Atwell was held to two points — both on free throws.

>> PHOTOS: Hawaii vs. UC Irvine

But Atwell’s 3 sparked a 14-0 run that moved the Wahine to a 38-29 lead with 2:29 left in the third quarter.

The Anteaters’ comeback attempt in the fourth quarter fizzled when they missed 11 of their final 12 shots.

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As the final horn sounded, UH followers began chanting “M-V-P” toward Atwell, who finished with 13 points. Atwell, completing her sixth year at UH, was named the tournament’s most valuable player.