The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team secured a 61-54 victory over Cal State Bakersfield on Thursday at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Wahine, now holding a 13-10 overall record and 7-6 in Big West play, overcame deficits after each of the first three quarters to outscore the Roadrunners 17-6 in the final period.
Saniyah Neverson and Ritorya Tamilo led Hawai’i with 13 points and six rebounds each. Neverson shot efficiently from the field, while Tamilo set a career mark by making nine of her ten free throw attempts. As a team, Hawai’i converted 25 out of 29 free throws during a game that saw 44 fouls called.
Both Neverson and Tamilo contributed defensively as well. Tamilo matched her season high with three blocked shots, and Neverson tied her best mark this year with three steals.
Guard Bailey Flavell added 12 points for Hawai’i, including a decisive three-pointer with just 17 seconds remaining. Keiara Curtis chipped in with ten points and made eight of nine free throws.
For Cal State Bakersfield, Crishawn Coleman scored 16 points—12 coming in the first half—while Marley Langi also finished with 16 points and made three shots from beyond the arc.
Cal State Bakersfield opened strong, leading by ten before Hawai’i responded. Kyra Webb helped end the early drought for the Rainbow Wahine. By halftime, CSUB led 30-26 despite shooting struggles in the second quarter but converting on most free throw opportunities.
Hawai’i took its first lead late in the second quarter but trailed again entering the fourth period after an eight-point run was countered by CSUB’s Marley Langi closing out strong for her team.
Jade Peacock tied the game for Hawai’i early in the fourth quarter and later assisted on a key layup by Tamilo following a defensive block. Flavell’s only three-pointer came late to help secure what became Hawai’i’s thirteenth consecutive win against Cal State Bakersfield.
The Rainbow Wahine will finish their homestand Saturday against CSUN at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m.
