The University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine basketball team surged to a decisive 71-54 victory over Cal Poly at the Mott Athletics Center in San Luis Obispo. A defining 20-point run, spanning the end of the first quarter and early second quarter, allowed Hawaii to seize control and maintain dominance throughout the game.
Cal Poly started strong with an early 6-0 lead and held a 14-7 advantage midway through the first quarter. However, after that point, the Mustangs struggled offensively and did not score again until nearly seven minutes into the second quarter. This drought enabled the Wahine to build momentum and overturn the deficit.
Imani Perez spearheaded the Rainbow Wahine’s offensive outburst, scoring six critical points during the run and finishing with 14 points overall. She made four three-pointers out of five attempts, marking an efficient shooting display that energized her team. Bailey Flavell, who was scoreless in the previous game, bounced back with a team-leading 15 points.
Supporting scoring efforts came from Saniyah Neverson with 14 points and Ritorya Tamilo who contributed 13 points, playing a key role in establishing and expanding the lead. Tamilo’s layup tied the game at 14-all and her free throw gave Hawaii their first lead, 15-14, late in the first quarter.
The Mustangs’ Charish Thompson led all scorers with 22 points but lacked sufficient support as the team fell to 1-15 in conference play and 3-23 overall. Meanwhile, Hawaii improved to 9-6 in the Big West and 15-10 overall, riding a three-game winning streak and having won nine of their last ten contests.
The pivotal 20-point run included a three-pointer by Perez at the 8:01 mark of the second quarter, extending Hawaii’s lead to 24-14. Rebecca Moors capped the run with a three-pointer on a fast break, pushing the margin to 27-14, which set the tone for the rest of the game.
Key Contributors and Scoring Highlights
| Player | Points Scored | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Bailey Flavell | 15 | Team-high, recovered after scoreless previous game |
| Imani Perez | 14 | Four three-pointers, efficient shooting |
| Saniyah Neverson | 14 | Consistent scoring to support offense |
| Ritorya Tamilo | 13 | Crucial layup and free throws to take lead |
| Charish Thompson | 22 | Led all scorers for Cal Poly |
The Rainbow Wahine’s balanced attack and strong defensive effort after the initial Cal Poly lead allowed them to dominate possession and scoring opportunities. Their ability to execute under pressure, particularly during critical stretches bridging two quarters, highlighted their resilience and team chemistry.
Hawaii’s performance at Cal Poly underscored their offensive versatility and strategic execution in key moments. The team presses on in conference play with confidence stemming from this commanding victory.
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