Hawai‘i women erase 20-point deficit but fall to San Francisco in overtime

SAN FRANCISCO — The University of Hawai‘i women’s basketball team overcame a 20-point first-quarter deficit and built a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Rainbow Wahine couldn't complete the comeback Thursday night, falling 85-79 to San Francisco in overtime at War Memorial at The Sobrato Center.

Hawai‘i (0-2) appeared headed for its first victory under new head coach Khalilah Mitchell after recovering from a disastrous start to take control of the game. But the Rainbow Wahine went scoreless over the final 3:26 of regulation, allowing San Francisco to close with a 9-0 run before taking command in overtime to win its season opener.

Junior center Ritorya Tamilo delivered a career performance in the loss, finishing with 27 points, 19 rebounds and six blocked shots. Tamilo made 11 of 14 shots from the field, including a 3-pointer, and converted four of five free throws while recording her second double-double in as many games.

Tamilo's 19 rebounds were the most by a Hawai‘i player since Kamilah Martin grabbed 19 against UC Irvine on Feb. 9, 2013. Her six blocks also pushed her past 100 for her career, making her the ninth player in program history to reach that milestone.

Bailey Flavell added 18 points and four assists for Hawai‘i, while Teyahna Bond matched her career high with 11 points. Zyriah Price contributed nine points on 4-of-5 shooting, and Jovi Lefotu finished with six points and a team-high five assists.

Maria Burliga led San Francisco with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Aina Cargol also scored 17 points.

The Rainbow Wahine could hardly have imagined a worse opening to the game. Hawai‘i missed its first 11 shots as San Francisco raced to a 20-0 lead before Flavell finally put the visitors on the scoreboard with a driving basket at the 3:30 mark of the first quarter.

Rather than allowing the early deficit to dictate the rest of the game, Hawai‘i responded with a 10-2 run that included a 3-pointer from Tamilo. The Rainbow Wahine trailed 26-12 after the opening quarter but carried that momentum into the second period.

Bond opened the second quarter with a 3-pointer, and Hawai‘i eventually put together a 12-0 run to erase the remaining deficit. Lefotu's baseline jumper gave the Rainbow Wahine their first lead at 31-30, and Hawai‘i entered halftime ahead 33-32 after outscoring the Dons 21-6 in the second quarter.

Hawai‘i maintained its advantage throughout the third quarter and entered the fourth leading 51-47. Price opened the final period with a 3-pointer off an assist from Lefotu, and consecutive layups from Tamilo helped stretch the lead to 63-51.

The Rainbow Wahine still held a 67-58 advantage after Flavell made two free throws with 3:26 remaining, but their offense suddenly stalled.

San Francisco took advantage, scoring nine unanswered points to tie the game at 67. Cargol completed the comeback with a layup with 20 seconds remaining, and Hawai‘i missed two shots in the final six seconds that could have secured the victory.

The Dons scored the first four points of overtime and never trailed in the extra period, outscoring Hawai‘i 18-12 to hand the Rainbow Wahine their second consecutive road loss to begin the season.

The defeat came three days after the Rainbow Wahine opened their season with an 87-54 loss at Oregon. Despite the 0-2 start, Tamilo has emerged as a bright spot for Hawai‘i, recording double-doubles in both games while establishing herself as a force in the paint.

Hawai‘i will return to Honolulu for its home opener Nov. 13 against Saint Mary's in the Bank of Hawai‘i Classic at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Wahine will also face Loyola Marymount during the tournament.