Posted on: Sunday, February 22, 2004

Hawai'i topples UTEP women

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

In what they hope is a harbinger of turnarounds to come, the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine won back-to-back basketball games for the first time this season, defeating UTEP, 57-49, last night before 717 at Stan Sheriff Center.

A month ago, the Miners suffocated the 'Bows offense in El Paso. That 44-39 UTEP win was the lowest scoring game in WAC history, until it was matched when UTEP stopped Fresno State 45-38 two weeks ago. Anchored by one of the country's Top-20 defenses, the Miners (14-10, 9-6) are in third place and guaranteed their third winning conference season in history.

But last night, it was Hawai'i's defense that dominated, refusing to let the Miners in the paint and, later, back in the game.

Meanwhile, its freshmen found the range. Janevia Taylor (19) and Pam Tambini (17) combined for 36 UH points, with Tambini scoring 10 of Hawai'i's final 14 to shoot down every UTEP surge.

"Hawai'i is playing much better now," said UTEP coach Keitha Green, whose team came here with a four-game winning streak. "Early in the year they were looking quite a bit to their veteran players. Now they're playing more balanced and more confident.

"They've got a good freshman class. Taylor had a great game. I think she's that freshman who is playing with a lot more confidence. She's a nice player. We're going to have to deal with her three more years."

The improvement in Hawai'i's offense has been glaring the past three games.

"We've started to run through the offense until we get it right," Taylor said. "Before we were chucking it up if it didn't work the first time. Now we just keep trying it and if you get the shot, shoot it."

The Rainbow Wahine's defense was just as stubborn as it was in El Paso. Jade Abele and April Atuaia did not allow Vaida Zagurskyte, the Miners' leading scorer, a shot or point in the first half. Taylor said the shutout was a continuance of the last game, when the UH defenders stripped Zagurskyte several times.

Still, the 'Bows (7-16, 5-9) led just 23-22 at the break. Their early advantage disappeared in a 13-2 Miner surge.

UTEP scored the first three points of the second half before its offense went silent for seven minutes. Hawai'i scored 14 in a row to go up 37-25, with Taylor getting eight straight on a 3-pointer, 3-point play and fadeaway.

The Miners hit two free throws, went into a fullcourt press and Zagurskyte finally started looking to the basket. Her first score came with 9:44 to go and she had all 11 of her points — and all UTEP's points — in the next 6ý minutes. In the midst of her spree, the Miners cut their deficit to six (41-35), with 6:56 left.

Taylor hit two free throws and Tambini a 3 as Hawai'i refused to relinquish its season-high win streak.

"We weren't sure if they were going to have that hungry feeling that they had the other night against Boise, and that same feeling they had after the victory," UH coach Vince Goo said. "We weren't sure if they were going to be a little satisfied. I'm not surprised, but happy they came out and competed really hard. They wanted that feeling again tonight."

And they knew, even before assistant Gavin Petersen brought it up before the game, that one win did not constitute a winning streak. Tambini called the search for a streak "motivating," but Taylor said Petersen's reminder was not necessary.

"We knew," Taylor said. "Who wouldn't know?"

Green said she felt there was another element in the Rainbow Wahine's winning formula.

"You've got a coach I'm sure those girls respect who has announced his retirement," Green said. "They're playing with some purpose there. I'm sure the kids have a good connection. Vince does a great job. Look how they played in the Boise game."

Hawai'i plays at Tulsa Thursday and Rice Saturday before returning for its final homestand.

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8043.