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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, December 22, 2007

Hawaii bounces Grambling, 71-53

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Amy Kotani

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LOS ANGELES — The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team used an 18-0 second-half run to beat Grambling State, 71-53, in the consolation game of the Women of Troy Basketball Classic last night.

The Rainbow Wahine (5-6) had five players in double figures. They also received career nights from Ebony Jones, Catherine Cho and Amy Kotani against Grambling (1-10).

In her first career start, Jones, a junior forward, recorded her first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Cho, a junior guard, recorded a career-high seven points and added three rebounds.

But one of the big sparks of the second half was Kotani, a senior guard. She scored a career-high 14 points; all of them coming in the second half.

Kotani also grabbed four rebounds, had five steals and added three assists.

"Amy really gave us a spark to start the second half," Hawai'i coach Jim Bolla said. "I thought we did a much better job in the second half with the turnovers and that helped us pull away from Grambling State."

Hawai'i senior center Tanya Smith had 13 points and 13 rebounds. Saundra Cariaga, a senior guard, led the team with 15 points.

The game was tied at 34 at intermission, but Hawai'i outscored Grambling, 37-19, in the second half.

The Rainbow Wahine return to action Dec. 28 in the Bank of Hawaii Invitational, facing UC Irvine at 7 p.m. in the second game of the day.

William & Mary and Iona will square off in the first game at 5 p.m. in the Stan Sheriff Center.

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