The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team narrowly lost to UC Irvine, 50-47, in a closely contested game at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California. The Rainbow Wahine led at the end of each of the first three quarters and managed to hold UC Irvine, which averages 73.5 points per game, to just 50 points—more than 20 below their season average.
Despite leading for much of the game and holding the Anteaters to 29.8% shooting from the field, Hawai’i could not maintain its advantage in the final quarter. UC Irvine went on a run midway through the fourth period to build a seven-point lead and held off a late comeback attempt by Hawai’i.
Hawai’i’s freshman duo of Keiara Curtis and Bailey Flavell combined for 25 points and made seven three-pointers. Flavell scored a team-high 13 points and recorded six assists with only one turnover. Curtis contributed 12 points on four three-pointers, marking her fifth consecutive double-digit scoring performance. Senior forward Imani Perez added 10 points along with seven rebounds and two blocked shots.
UC Irvine was led by Hunter Hernandez with 20 points, while Jada Wynn added 15 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
The Rainbow Wahine defense registered eight blocks during the game—including seven in the first half—and limited UC Irvine to its second lowest point total this season. However, after UH took a lead into halftime (21-18), UC Irvine opened the third quarter with a 12-0 run before Hawai’i responded with a strong finish to reclaim a two-point edge entering the fourth period.
In the closing minutes, UC Irvine extended its lead following key plays from Hernandez and Wynn. Despite calling timeout with five seconds left for a final shot opportunity, Hawai’i was unable to convert as time expired.
With this result, Hawai’i falls to an overall record of 6-9 and remains winless in Big West Conference play at 0-5. UC Irvine improves to 14-2 overall and stays undefeated in conference games.
The Rainbow Wahine will return home for upcoming games against Cal Poly on January 15 and UC Santa Barbara on January 17 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
