SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team secured a 71-54 victory over Cal Poly on Thursday night at Mott Athletics Center, fueled by a dominant 20-point run that spanned the first and second quarters.
The win improves Hawai’i’s record to 9-6 in Big West Conference play and 15-10 marking their third consecutive victory and ninth win in the last ten games. Cal Poly falls to 1-15 overall and 3-23 in conference matchups.
Despite an initial surge by the Mustangs, who opened the game with a 6-0 lead and maintained a 14-7 advantage with 3:46 remaining in the first quarter, Hawai’i quickly seized control. Cal Poly would not score again until the 6:46 mark of the second quarter.
The Rainbow Wahine’s offensive surge was spearheaded by Imani Perez, who contributed 14 points, including six during the pivotal first-half run. Bailey Flavell, who had been held scoreless in a recent game against Cal State Northridge, rebounded with a team-high 15 points. Saniyah Neverson added 14 points, and Ritorya Tamilo chipped in with 13.
Perez initiated the decisive run with a three-point basket, followed by a layup from Tamilo to tie the score at 14-14. Tamilo then converted a free throw, giving Hawai’i its first lead, 15-14, with 1:27 left in the first quarter. Perez extended the lead to 24-14 with another three-pointer early in the second quarter, and a fast-break three from Rebecca Moors completed the scoring spree, pushing the Wahine ahead 27-14.
Charish Thompson led Cal Poly with a game-high 22 points.
According to Hawaii Athletics, this victory marked the first Big West win of the season for the Rainbow Wahine, coming after an 86-46 win over Cal Poly at home on January 15th. Coach Laura Beeman emphasized the team’s need to play with purpose, building on a close loss to UC Irvine earlier in the week.
The Rainbow Wahine will continue their Big West schedule with a game against UC Santa Barbara on Saturday.
