(photo of Nikki Miller courtesy of Joe Poellot/Story by Russ Blunck)

HILO, Hawai`i--What a difference a day can make.

24 hours after struggling offensively during a 61-53 comeback win over Multnomah, the Vulcans clicked on all cylinders on Saturday against the same Lions team for a 84-64 victory. UH Hilo nailed 7 of 15 three points attempts and converted 19 of 22 shots at the free throw line in the Saturday afternoon game at Vulcan Gymnasium.

UHH is now 2-0 to begin the year, while Multnomah heads back to Portland with a 0-6 mark. 

Mandi Kawaha had a career-high 23 points for UH HIlo, dropping three of six shots from three-point range and she made all eight of her free throw attempts. Her previous best was 22 points her freshman year against Fresno Pacific. She also had seven rebounds and seven assists today.

Center Nikki Miller had a double-double with 14 points and 14 boards, Sara Shimizu had 14 points and Jenna Waki was also in double figures with 13 points. 

Five players were in double figures for Multnomah, led by Maddie Hill's 11 points. Clare Faber had a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.

The two teams traded baskets in the first quarter with seven lead changes and four ties. But the Vulcans went on a 9-2 run to close the quarter, ahead 22-16 on the scoreboard. They wouldn't trail again. 

A Mandy Kawaha rebound basket at the end of the second quarter gave UHH a 45-30 lead, and they would push their margin to 52-30 early in the third quarter. In the fourth, Multnomah would get no closer than 17 points before the final tally of 84-64. 

The Vulcans will continue their seven-game homestand with a Tuesday non-conference contest against Dakota Wesleyan on Tuesday. Start time is 2 pm at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.