Wahine defeat Oklahoma State, 52-51

Advertiser Staff

The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team defeated Oklahoma State, 52-51, tonight in the quarterfinals of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

The Wahine advanced to a WNIT semifinal game against New Mexico. That game will be played Saturday at 4 p.m. Hawai'i time in Albuquerque, N.M.

Tonight's game was played at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Guard Janka Gabrielova led the Wahine with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Freshman center Trisha Skibbe led Oklahoma State with 17 points and five rebounds.

Oklahoma State had a 50-44 lead late in the second half. After a Wahine basket, Gabrielova scored to make it 50-48, and UH center Christen Roper tied the game at 50 on a putback with 1:44 left.

Hawai'i guard April Atuaia sank two free throws to give UH a 52-50 lead with 1:10 to play.

Skibbe hit the second of two free throws to make it 52-51 with 50 seconds to play. The Cowgirls got the ball back but were unable to hit a shot deep in the post, and UH's Crystal Lee grabbed a loose ball on the defensive end with eight seconds to play. The Wahine ran out the clock.