The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team lost to Lindenwood 68-59 on Saturday in the American Savings Bank Rainbow Wahine Showdown at Bankoh Arena, Stan Sheriff Center. This marks the team’s second consecutive loss in the tournament, following a similar pattern as their previous defeat against Vermont.
Freshman Bailey Flavell led Hawai’i with a season-high 20 points and two three-pointers. She became the first true freshman from UH to score 20 points in a game since Deajah Phillips achieved this milestone on December 20, 2020, against Hawaii Hilo.
The post players for UH—Ritorya Tamilo, Imani Perez, and Saniyah Neverson—each contributed nine points. Tamilo also recorded seven rebounds and three blocks, while Perez added six rebounds and three assists. Neverson collected five rebounds.
Turnovers were a significant issue for Hawai’i, as they committed 21 during the game. This allowed Lindenwood to outscore them 24-11 in points off turnovers. Additionally, Lindenwood had an advantage in second-chance opportunities with a 15-5 lead in that category.
Lindenwood’s Aleshia Jones scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Gracy Wernli was effective from beyond the arc, making five of six three-point attempts and finishing with 18 points.
Both teams started evenly, tied at 16 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, there were several lead changes before Lindenwood took a slight edge into halftime at 31-25. The third quarter saw Hawai’i struggle offensively and commit nine turnovers; Lindenwood capitalized on these mistakes to build a double-digit lead heading into the final period.
Hawai’i attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter by increasing defensive pressure and going on a short run to cut the deficit to six points with just over five minutes remaining. However, Wernli hit another key three-pointer for Lindenwood to maintain their lead until the end of regulation.
Earlier in the day’s tournament action, Vermont defeated Santa Clara 63-51 to improve its record within the event.
The Rainbow Wahine will conclude their participation in this year’s tournament when they face Santa Clara on Sunday afternoon after Vermont plays Lindenwood earlier that day.
