HONOLULU— Hawai’i standout guard Amy Atwell led the team in points in the 82-74 season home-opening loss Sunday night SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
Atwell, who was one of only three Rainbow Warriors’ players to generate double-digit points in the losing effort, scoring a team-leading 21.
Deejah Phillips finished with 11 and Jadynn Alexander finished with 10 points, as the trio accounted for 41 of the team’s 74 total points.
The Rainbow Warriors struggled to defend Hawai’i Pacific’s backcourt duo, Amy Baum and Olivia West, who scored 50 of the team’s 84 points on the night.
The duo hit 7-of-15 from long range, while Baum added nine assists, falling one assist short of a double-double.
Hawai’i Pacific, an NCAA Division II team, overhauled the Rainbow Warriors in a game that was closely contested for most of the first half.
The majority of the game was closely contested, and Hawai’i Pacific didn’t get the necessary separation on the Rainbow Warriors until the fourth period.
With the game tied at 69 apiece, Hawai’i Pacific went on a 10-2 run, which became the critical tide-turner in the game.
Hawai’i Pacific’s Avery Cargill sank a 3-point shot which gave the Sharks a 74-71 lead, and they were able to convert multiple free throws to get the necessary separation in the game.
Atwell sank another 3-point shot, and that would conclude the scoring for the Rainbow Warriors.
UH will now look ahead to set Dec. 27 when the Big West Conference season starts on the road at Cal Poly. In the two weeks leading up to the next scheduled game, the ‘Bows could add a potential second non-conference matchup in the process.
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Jason Blasco, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
