WAHINE BASKETBALL
Wahine look to regain their winning ways
The Hawaii women's basketball team tries to start a new winning streak tonight when hosting New Mexico State at the Stan Sheriff Center.
New Mexico State at Hawaii
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Stan Sheriff Center.
TV: Live, KFVE, Ch. 5.
Radio: Live, KKEA, 1420-AM.
Tickets: All seats general admission. $7 adults, $6 seniors. UH students with valid ID and children ages 4-18 free.
Parking: $3.
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After eight consecutive wins, the Rainbow Wahine lost a five-point, overtime decision to preseason Western Athletic Conference No. 1 pick Louisiana Tech on Thursday night. It was a game the Wahine had opportunities to win and, although it was a disappointing loss, the players had nothing to hang their heads about.
"If anything, the loss will fire us up," UH junior wing Pam Tambini said. "We know LaTech is our (biggest) competition, but we can't take anyone for granted,"
Prior to Thursday's game, Tambini was given a choice by Wahine coach Jim Bolla: either shoot or not play against the Lady Techsters. Tambini finished with a team-high 16 points.
The Wahine (10-3 overall, 1-1 WAC) worked on several things in practice yesterday.
"We have to work on our help defense. We didn't rotate over and cut LaTech off at the baseline and they got too many layups," Bolla said.
He also is concerned about the good things the Aggies do with pick-and-roll plays they run with their post players. Being ready for that action was another focus point.
Conference newcomer New Mexico State (4-10, 1-2 WAC) was selected to tie for seventh in the coaches' preseason poll. The Aggies lost to Fresno State 68-52 Thursday in their first WAC road game.
Junior guard Cecilia Russell-Nava came off the bench to lead the Aggies with 14 points.
Junior guard Irma Kmitaite is New Mexico State's leading scorer, averaging 12.9 points a game. Jenean Ford, a 6-foot-2 senior forward, is next at 9.1 ppg and the top rebounder with 6.6 a game.
"They are 4-10, 1-2 in the conference, but that doesn't matter," Bolla said. "Our concern is that we have to take care of business.
"LaTech was only our second conference game. It did give us a measure of where we are right now, but our focus is getting back on track."
The Wahine also need better production from the guard spots. Janevia Taylor, Amy Sanders and Cassidy Chretien, who combined for 82 minutes on the court, were just 4-for-23 from the field.