Freshman Sarah Craig finished with 20 points (10-of-15 shooting) |
HONOLULU -- The University of Hawai`i Rainbow Wahine women’s basketball team captured the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic championship with a 79-53 victory over Sacramento State Monday evening at the Stan Sheriff Center. Hawai’i controlled the game throughout to improve to 2-0 on the season. Sacramento State finished the tournament with an 0-2 record as the team lost to UCLA on Sunday.
The Hornets hung tough with Hawai’i early in the contest as the team trailed by one point (11-10) with 13:28 remaining in the first half. The Rainbow Wahine, however, went on a 13-1 run to quickly build a double-digit lead and would cruise from there. The Rainbow Wahine, who never trailed at any point during the contest, led, 44-20, at the half and built their lead to as many as 30 points.
All 12 players saw action for the Rainbow Wahine and each got on the scoreboard. Natasja Allen led all UH scorers with 18 points, while Jade Abele and Christen Roper also finished in double figures with 12 each. Roper recorded a double-double by adding 15 rebounds. The center also tied her career high with seven blocks in 22 minutes of action.
Sacramento State freshman Sarah Craig led all players with 20 points as the small forward finished the game 10-of-15 from the floor. Craig, who played all but two minutes of the contest, also finished with three assists, two blocked shots and a steal. Freshman Katelyn Ciampi also scored in double figures for the Hornets as she finished with 11 points to go along with a team-high tying seven rebounds. Junior Diane Peterson, who knocked down two three-pointers, matched Ciampi with seven rebounds.
Hornet center Kristine Knowlton finished 6-of-6 from the free throw line as the sophomore recorded eight points. Craig’s 20 points was the most by a Hornet since Danielle Iceman scored 23 against Eastern Washington on Feb. 2 of last season.
The Rainbow Wahine held Sacramento State to just 31.1 percent shooting (19-61) and outrebounded the Hornets, 52-34. The Hornets have now been outrebounded by a combined margin of 115-70 through two games. Sacramento State finished 13-of-19 from the free throw line and is now shooting 71.7 percent (33-46) from the charity stripe as a team.
Allen, Abele and April Atuaia were named to the all-tournament team, with Roper taking home most valuable player honors. Michelle Greco and Lisa Willis of UCLA rounded out the all-tournament team.
Sacramento State returns to action for its home opener next Monday, Dec. 2, against Cal Poly. Game time is 7:05 p.m. in Hornet Gym. The Hornets also play San Diego (Friday, Dec. 6) and Nevada (Sunday, Dec. 8) to complete their three-game homestand.
