OAKLAND, California – Strong finishes to both halves, including giving up just one basket in the fourth quarter, helped the Hawai'i Hilo women's basketball team to shut down Holy Names, 65-34, in Pacific West Conference play Sunday afternoon at Tobin Gymnasium.
Holding a 15-point lead heading into the final period, the Vulcans made sure the Hawks wouldn't have any chance at a comeback by holding them to just 1 of 17 from the field (5.88 percent) while adding 20 points of their own.
The Hawks were playing their first game without leading scorer Jayden Benitez as Hawai'i Hilo edged Holy Names by just single points in both the first and third quarters, but the Vulcans also poured in 22 points in the second period as part of their strong finishes to each half.
The victory gets the four-game northern California trip off to a good start as the Vulcans moved up to the No. 7 spot in the PacWest standings for the time being.
By The Numbers
- Kamalu Kamakawiwoole led the team with 19 points to go along with eight rebounds and two blocks.
- Mandi Kawaha followed with 14 points and Keirstyn Agonias added 13.
- Bree Olson got her second double-double of the season and fifth of her career with 10 points and 11 boards off the bench.
- Four Vulcans each notched a pair of steals: Kamakawiwoole, Kawaha, Agonias and Olson.
- Hawai'i Hilo more than doubled up HNU on offensive rebounds at a 14-6 chip for a 14-5 second-chance points advantage.
- Both squads totaled 20 turnovers — matching a season high for the Vulcans — as the Hawks got the edge with a 15-9 margin in steals.
- No HNU player finished with double-digit scoring figures as Ani Tu'utafaiva led with nine points.
What's Next
Hawai'i Hilo moved to 7-10 overall, 4-7 PacWest while Holy Names moved to a 1-18 record (0-11 PacWest).
The Vulcans continue on in northern California with a matchup against Fresno Pacific next Tuesday, Jan. 24. The women will tip off at 5 p.m. local Pacific Time (3 p.m. Hawai'i Time) followed by the men's game at 7:30 p.m. PT (5:30 p.m. HT).
Hawai'i Hilo will return for two final home games on Feb. 8 and Feb. 11.
The Hawks will host HPU on Jan. 26.
Hawai'i Hilo and Holy Names will match up again Feb. 8 on the Big Island.
