SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – A dominant 20-point run spanning the first and second quarters propelled the University of Hawaii women’s basketball team to a decisive 71-54 victory over Cal Poly on Friday night at Mott Athletics Center. The win secures a berth in the Substantial West Championship for the Rainbow Wahine.
Hawaii improved to 9-6 in the Big West and 15-10 marking their third consecutive win and ninth victory in the last ten games. Cal Poly, meanwhile, fell to 1-15 in conference play and 3-23 overall. The Rainbow Wahine demonstrated a potent offensive attack and stifling defense, ultimately overwhelming the Mustangs.
Despite an initial surge from Cal Poly, who scored the game’s first six points and briefly led 14-7 with 3:46 remaining in the first quarter, Hawaii quickly seized control. The Mustangs then endured a scoring drought lasting until the 6:46 mark of the second quarter, allowing the Rainbow Wahine to build a substantial lead.
The pivotal run was fueled by the versatile scoring of Imani Perez, who contributed six of her 14 points during the offensive surge. Bailey Flavell, who had been held scoreless in Saturday’s game against Cal State Northridge, rebounded with a team-high 15 points. Saniyah Neverson added 14 points and Ritorya Tamilo chipped in with 13, showcasing the team’s balanced attack. Charish Thompson led Cal Poly with a game-high 22 points.
Perez ignited the scoring spree with a 3-point basket, her first of four successful attempts from beyond the arc. Tamilo followed with a layup to tie the game at 14-14, and a subsequent free throw gave Hawaii its first lead, 15-14, with 1:27 left in the first quarter. The momentum continued to swing in Hawaii’s favor as they extended their lead into the second quarter.
Another 3-pointer from Perez at the 8:01 mark of the second quarter pushed the lead to 24-14, and a fast-break 3-pointer by Rebecca Moors completed the crucial 20-point run, establishing a 27-14 advantage for the Rainbow Wahine. Hawaii maintained their dominance for the remainder of the contest, effectively controlling the tempo and securing the victory.
The Rainbow Wahine’s strong performance underscores their position as a contender in the Big West Conference. Their ability to overcome an early deficit and execute a dominant scoring run demonstrates their resilience and offensive firepower.
Hawaii will now turn its attention to the upcoming Big West Championship tournament, where they will look to continue their winning streak and compete for the conference title. The team’s recent success and balanced scoring attack position them well for a deep run in the tournament.
The Rainbow Wahine’s victory over Cal Poly is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Fans and supporters are encouraged to share their thoughts and reactions to the game in the comments below.
