The women’s basketball team of the University of Hawai’i attained a triumphant victory of 80-68 over Long Beach State, courtesy of a stellar performance by guard Daejah Phillips, at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California.
Phillips achieved a career-high 29 points, with a remarkable 22 points scored in the second half. Her outstanding shooting, going 12 for 14 from the field, significantly contributed to the Rainbow Wahine’s (16-9, 13-3 Big West) rise to first place in the conference race.
Imani Perez and MeiLani McBee also contributed, with Perez adding 12 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, and McBee notching nine points with three 3-pointers, enabling her to move into third place in program history with 145 career 3-pointers. Additionally, guards Lily Wahinekapu and Kelsie Imai each contributed six assists in the highest-scoring game of the season for UH.
The game saw all eight UH players who saw action scoring at least four points, with seven players garnering at least one assist. The team’s shooting was impressive, with a season-high 54.1% from the field, and an impressive 22 assists – another season best – on 33 made field goals.
After a seven-point performance in the first half, Phillips went on a hot streak, hitting nine consecutive shots in the second half, and making a significant 16-point contribution in the fourth quarter alone. She wrapped up her magnificent performance with 12 made field goals, falling just short of the UH single-game record for shooting percentage.
Phillips’ outstanding performance also elevated her to 21st place in program history with 1,041 career points, following her recent achievement of surpassing the 1,000-point mark. Furthermore, her impact on the game pushed the Anteaters to a 69-65 loss to UC San Diego, consolidating the Rainbow Wahine’s position at the top of the conference.
The ‘Bows dominated the game from the outset, with UH freshman Jade Peacock making her first career start and scoring on the opening possession, setting the tone for the team’s eventual success.
Looking ahead, UH will be looking to maintain their momentum as they approach their final homestand of the season. Their next game at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center against UC Davis on February 29 will mark the beginning of the end of their season, culminating in the home finale against UC Riverside on March 2. The team will also be honoring Ashley Thoms and Olivia Davies in the Senior Night ceremony, making it an emotional and significant occasion for the UH women’s basketball team.