Rainbow Wahine Finish Strong to Top CSUN, Complete Road Sweep

The University of Hawaiʻi women’s basketball team shook off a cold second quarter and closed with authority Saturday afternoon, pulling away late for a 64–55 Big West Conference win over CSUN. The victory completed a road sweep for the Rainbow Wahine, who improved to 10-9 overall and 4-5 in league play.

Hawaiʻi controlled the opening period, racing to a 19–9 advantage behind balanced scoring and early defensive energy.

That momentum stalled in the second quarter as CSUN turned up its physical play and limited the ‘Bows to just three points, flipping the game into a 29–22 halftime deficit.

Head coach Laura Beeman credited her young roster for weathering that stretch and responding with composure after the break.

“I thought they [CSUN] played a really good second quarter,” Beeman said. “In the second half things kind of calmed down. We were able to handle the pressure a little bit better, move the ball much, much better, and defensively, I think we tightened some things up.”

Hawaiʻi began to find its footing in the third quarter, cutting into the Matadors’ lead with improved ball movement and defensive stops. The turning point came early in the fourth, when the Rainbow Wahine erupted for a decisive run that flipped a tight game into a comfortable cushion.

Hawaiʻi outscored CSUN 27–16 in the final period, capitalizing at the free-throw line and forcing timely turnovers to put the game away.

Bailey Flavell led the way with 17 points, while Saniyah Neverson added 13 points and provided steady inside presence. Imani Perez chipped in 12 points, and the ‘Bows finished a sharp 23-of-25 at the free-throw line — a season-high.

Hawaiʻi also made its presence felt defensively, finishing with five blocks, including three from Ritorya Tamilo, helping limit CSUN’s scoring chances around the rim.

The win continues a significant climb in the Big West standings for the Rainbow Wahine. After opening conference play 0-5, Hawaiʻi has now put together a four-game winning streak, moving up the league table and building momentum heading into the second half of conference play.

Beyond the numbers, Beeman emphasized the growth shown by a roster featuring six true freshmen.

“This is the first time we’ve been on the road for two games like this with a very, very young team,” Beeman said. “They found another level. They grew up a little bit. I’m really, really proud that they’re continuing to trust our process.”

Hawaiʻi now returns home for a pivotal stretch, hosting Big West leader UC Irvine on Thursday, Jan. 29, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, before welcoming Long Beach State on Saturday, Jan. 31, for this year’s edition of “Beeman’s Big Bash.” Get your tickets HERE.