Hawaii coach Vince Goo was looking at three aspects of the Rainbow Wahine basketball team's performance in the season opener against UCLA on Saturday. Goo wants improvement
By Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.com"I wanted to see if we played smart, and we did some of the time," Goo said.
"Second, I wanted to see us play hard, and for the majority of the time we did. Thirdly, I wanted to see us play as a team, and we did that for 40 minutes."
Goo will be looking for improvement in tonight's matchup with Sacramento State, the final game in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center. This is not to say he was unhappy with the team's performance against UCLA.
He thought the Wahine shot selection was good and was pleased with the defense. Hawaii shot 62 percent from the field while holding the Bruins to 34 percent.
"We only took eight shots from outside 8 feet and were 1-for-3 from beyond the arc," said Goo. "UCLA took away our perimeter game. It wasn't because we were passing up the shot; they were out there defending us."
One area Goo wants improvement in is cutting down on opponents' second and third shots. UCLA scored nine baskets off second chances.
"Some of those were because of their ability and some because we didn't finish the job on defense, box out and get the rebound," said Goo. "They had 14 offensive rebounds but missed 41 shots.
"There needs to be big improvement between the first and second games. After that, the amount of improvement shouldn't be that great unless you don't get better. You should get better every game."
UCLA 106, Sacramento State 43: The Bruins had no trouble evening their record at 1-1 while handing the Hornets their 38th consecutive defeat over three seasons.
UCLA used its aggressive defense and quick transition game to take a 25-6 lead with 8:40 gone and never look back. In that opening run, the Bruins stole the ball nine times, hit 11 of 26 field-goal attempts while holding the Hornets to 2-for-6 from the field.
Nikki Blue led UCLA with 24 points. Michelle Greco added 19 and Lisa Willis scored 14. Danielle Iceman, Sacramento State's only returning starter, led the Hornets with 16 points.
Hawaii vs. Sacramento St.
What: Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Stan Sheriff Center
TV: Live, KFVE, Ch. 5
Radio: Live, 1420-AM
Tickets: All seats general admission. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 for children (age 4-17) and UH students.
Parking: $3
UH Athletics
