Streaking Wahine concerned with Rice's mix With wins over the Owls and Tulsa this week, Hawaii would remain undefeated in the Pacific Division
By Al Chase
Star-BulletinThe University of Hawaii women's basketball team will attempt to finish the first half of its Western Athletic Conference Pacific Division schedule undefeated when it meets Rice and Tulsa this week. The Wahine (14-1 overall, 5-0 conference) are riding a 10-game winning streak and cracked the coaches (USA/Today) poll this week (No. 25).
Rice (10-5, 3-2), tomorrow's opponent, returns all five starters from the team UH edged, 57-54, in the quarterfinals of the 1997 WAC Tournament.
"Rice is good. They have some major quickness at point guard (Charonda Wilson) and off guard (Marla Brumfield)," UH coach Vince Goo said. "They shoot and they penetrate. Their point guard might be as quick as BJ (Hawaii's BJ Itoman)."
Forwards Kirra Jordan (12.7 points per game) and Gina Cafagna (12.2 ppg) team with 6-foot-3 center Jennifer Hamilton to give the Owls a solid frontcourt.
Hamilton scored 21 points Saturday as the Owls defeated Fresno State, 80-59, to run their home winning streak to 10. However, the Owls are just 2-5 away from Autry Court this season.
Every starter has led Rice in scoring and/or rebounding in at least one game this season.
Defensively, the Owls have limited opponents to 57.6 points per game, compared to 60.3 for the Wahine. UH scores at a slightly higher clip (80.3) than Rice (73.7).
The Wahine also feature a balanced offense, led by Nani Cockett (18.6 ppg) and followed by Raylene Howard (17.4), Kylie Page (16.9) and Brandi Ashby (10.1).
Being ranked hasn't affected the Wahine, according to Goo.
"We told them at practice, but there was no emotion,"he said. "They don't get excited about announcements unless we're telling them where we're going for the pregame meal.
"I know there is a good feel. They feel good about it for our fans, but they know they still have to do the things in practice necessary to get ready for a ballgame. They worked really hard yesterday and today."
That's a good indication the players have recovered from their flight from Dallas on Sunday, which had them flying or sitting in airports for 18 hours.
Tulsa, Saturday's opponent, is only in its second season of sponsoring women's basketball.
Goo said the Golden Hurricane signed a number of good freshman after last season, when Tulsa won just five games.
That experience has helped the Golden Hurricane post a 7-8 overall record and a 3-2 mark in the conference.
They play at San Diego State tomorrow night. They beat Rice, 84-78, in double overtime at home earlier this season.
Lila Osceola scored 31 points in that game and leads Tulsa with a 15.7 scoring average.
PAGE HONORED: Wahine forward Kylie Page has been named the WAC Pacific Division Player of the Week. She averaged 23 points and 4.5 rebounds in the two Wahine wins in Texas last week. Page is the third Wahine to receive the honor this season. Nani Cockett has been selected twice and Raylene Howard once.
WAC women's basketball
Tomorrow: Rice at Hawaii, 7:07 p.m.
