The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team lost its Big West Conference opener to UC Davis, 68-63, after giving up a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. The game took place Thursday at the University Credit Union Center in Davis, California.
Hawai’i (4-4) made a season-high 10 three-pointers and led 61-47 early in the final period. However, the Rainbow Wahine were unable to score a field goal during the last six minutes of play. UC Davis responded with an 18-0 run to close out the game, handing Hawai’i its fourth consecutive loss.
Freshman Bailey Flavell led Hawai’i with a season-high 22 points, including four three-pointers. Senior Saniyah Neverson matched her career high with 17 points on seven-for-ten shooting from the field and added two three-pointers.
Despite their strong shooting performance, Hawai’i struggled with turnovers. The team committed 25 turnovers overall, which UC Davis converted into a 27-11 advantage in points off turnovers. Seven of those turnovers came in the fourth quarter alone and resulted in 11 points for UC Davis.
UC Davis (7-2) was led by Megan Norris, who scored 26 points and collected 11 rebounds. Ryann Bennett contributed 16 points, while Nya Epps hit consecutive three-pointers during the Aggies’ decisive late-game run.
The Rainbow Wahine shot 50 percent from the field in the first half and made five three-pointers to take a narrow 33-31 lead into halftime.
The contest began with an administrative technical foul against UC Davis, allowing Imani Perez to give Hawai’i an early lead before play officially started. Both teams started strong offensively; UC Davis held a six-point advantage at the end of the first quarter. Jovi Lefotu returned for her season debut and made a three-pointer on her first attempt as a junior.
In the second quarter, Hawai’i used a seven-point run to take control. Keiara Curtis scored while drawing a foul and completed a three-point play to put her team ahead. Neverson’s fifth three-pointer of the half extended their lead before halftime.
Rebecca Moors hit her first three-pointer of the season midway through the third quarter to give Hawai’i its largest lead at ten points. However, UC Davis responded with six straight free throws as Hawai’i cooled off offensively.
Flavell opened the fourth quarter by scoring eight straight points for Hawai’i and later assisted Neverson on what would be their final field goal of the night. After Flavell’s two free throws gave them a thirteen-point lead with under five minutes remaining, UC Davis held Hawai’i scoreless for the rest of regulation. Epps’ go-ahead three-pointer put UC Davis ahead with just over one minute left.
Hawai’i will continue its road trip in Southern California against Cal State Fullerton on Saturday at Titan Gym. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Pacific Time (11 a.m. Hawai’i Time).
