University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine Advances to Big West Tournament Semifinals The University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought overtime victory over Cal State Fullerton, advancing to the semifinals of the Big West Tournament. The win extended their winning streak to nine games, marking a significant milestone in their postseason run. The game, played in Las Vegas, saw the team overcome early challenges and deliver a dominant performance in the final minutes. Head coach Laura Beeman expressed confidence in her team’s ability to handle high-pressure moments, emphasizing that the squad had prepared for such scenarios through rigorous practice. “I have all the confidence in the world in this team in what they do and how they do it. We practice these moments all the time,” she said. Despite the coach’s optimism, the game was not without its struggles. The Rainbow Wahine went scoreless for the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter, forcing them to regroup and adjust their strategy. The turning point came in overtime, where the Hawaii defense shut down Cal State Fullerton entirely. The visitors managed to score zero points in the extra period, a critical factor in securing the win. Beeman highlighted the importance of defensive play in championship contention, stating, “I do believe that between defensive and rebounding that is what wins championships. Offense puts people in the seats because it’s fun, but you have to be able to get stops. Defense has to travel and I think it’s traveled to Henderson.” Big West Freshman of the Year Bailey Flavell was instrumental in the victory, leading the team with 14 points. Flavell, who played her first March game in Las Vegas, praised the overwhelming support from Hawaii fans.#big_west_tournament #university_of_hawaii_rainbow_wahine #cal_state_fullerton #laura_beeman #bailey_flavell
Women's Basketball Opens Final Big West Road Trip at UC Riverside The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team began its final Big West Conference road trip on March 3, 2026, with a matchup against the UC Riverside Highlanders. The game marked the conclusion of a three-game road swing for the Rainbow Warriors, who faced a challenging schedule against conference opponents. The series between the two teams has been competitive, with the University of Hawai'i holding an overall advantage of 18-9 in the head-to-head matchup. However, UC Riverside has recently turned the tide, winning the last two meetings. The most recent encounter took place on January 1, 2026, in Honolulu, where UC Riverside defeated Hawai'i 65-58. This game presented an opportunity for Hawai'i to extend its winning streak against the Highlanders, but the team faced a daunting challenge. UC Riverside's recent success has been fueled by its strong defensive play and balanced scoring, making them a formidable opponent. The Rainbow Warriors would need to rely on their key players to secure a victory. Among the standout performers for Hawai'i were Imani Perez, who wore the number 12 jersey, Bailey Flavell in number 3, and Saniyah Neverson, who donned number 33. These players were expected to play pivotal roles in the team's strategy, combining their skills to counter UC Riverside's strengths. The game would test Hawai'i's ability to adapt and maintain composure under pressure, especially as they aimed to finish their conference road trip on a positive note.#bailey_flavell #big_west_conference #uc_riverside #university_of_hawai_i #imani_perez
