Box Score

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team battled New Mexico State tough until the end Saturday night, but fell 73-51 at the Pan Am Center in Las Cruces, N.M. UH dropped its second straight WAC road game to open the season.

The Rainbow Wahine fall to 6-9 overall and 0-2 in conference play. New Mexico State improved to 12-4 overall and 2-0 in conference play. UH returns to the islands for three straight home WAC games, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 13 against Idaho at 7 p.m.

UH played a solid second half, including junior guard Keisha Kanekoa, who had all of her nine points in the half, including a 3-pointer.

The trio of Julita Bungaite, Breanna Arbuckle and Leilani Galdones each had seven points for the Rainbow Wahine. Dita Liepkalne had eight points and Mai Ayabe and Briauna Linton each had five points.

In the first half, the Rainbow Wahine trailed the Aggies 42-20 at the break. UH shot 32 percent in the half, while New Mexico State shot 50 percent from the field, including six 3-pointers.

Bungaite came off the bench to score five points, including a 3-pointer to lead UH in scoring. Linton had four points off the bench and Galdones had three points.

The Rainbow Wahine return to the Stan Sheriff Center for a three-game homestand, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 13 against Idaho at 7 p.m. UH then faces Nevada on Saturday, Jan. 16 and Utah State on Jan. 18.

Prior to Saturday's game on Jan. 18, UH will hold its annual alumnae game, which begins at 5 p.m.