The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team saw its six-game winning streak come to an end with a 59-46 defeat against UC San Diego on Saturday at LionTree Arena in La Jolla, California.
Hawai’i started strong, finishing the first quarter ahead 20-13 after shooting 8-for-12 from the field and making three three-pointers. However, the Rainbow Wahine struggled offensively in the next two quarters, managing only 11 points combined as UC San Diego took control and maintained their lead through the fourth quarter.
Freshman Bailey Flavell led Hawai’i in scoring for the 13th time this season, posting 18 points on 7-for-15 shooting and hitting two shots from beyond the arc. Senior Saniyah Neverson contributed nine points along with eight rebounds and three assists. Imani Perez and Ritorya Tamilo each recorded three blocks, helping UH finish with nine total blocks as a team.
UC San Diego’s Makayla Rose led all scorers with 28 points on efficient shooting (10-for-16) and made all three of her attempts from long range. Rose also had nine steals, contributing to UCSD’s significant advantage in points off turnovers (18-4).
The game began with UH taking a quick lead following a Jade Peacock three-pointer. After a short run by UCSD, Hawai’i responded with a surge late in the first quarter. In the second period, UH missed its first eight shots while UCSD went on an 8-0 run. Despite mid-range jumpers from Flavell and Keiara Curtis breaking up UH’s drought, another Tritons run gave them a halftime lead capped by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Rose.
UC San Diego extended their advantage in the third quarter with another scoring run and entered the final period up by nine points. Although Hawai’i twice reduced the deficit to eight during the fourth quarter—once after a Neverson three-pointer and again when Peacock completed a three-point play—the Tritons answered each time to secure their win.
This loss marks Hawai’i’s first since falling to UC Irvine on January 10. The Rainbow Wahine now hold an overall record of 12-10 (6-6 Big West), while UC San Diego remains atop conference standings at 17-6 (12-1). The Rainbow Wahine will return home for games against CSU Bakersfield on February 12 and CSUN on February 14 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
