A thrilling comeback attempt fell short for the University of Hawai'i's women's basketball team, as they faced off against Montana State in the Maui Classic. The Rainbow Wahine, despite a valiant effort, succumbed to the Bobcats with a final score of 72-56.
Trailing by a significant margin at halftime, the Wahine fought back, narrowing the gap to just five points early in the fourth quarter. However, Montana State's resilience shone through, as they embarked on an 11-0 run, reclaiming control and ultimately securing the tournament win.
The game showcased the talent of UH's freshman duo, Keiara Curtis and Bailey Flavell, who combined for 25 points. Curtis, in particular, displayed an impressive shooting performance, connecting on 60% of her field goal attempts. Jade Peacock and Kyra Webb also contributed with seven points each.
But here's where it gets interesting: Montana State's defense was the real star of the show. Entering the week as the nation's leader in steals, the Bobcats lived up to their reputation, forcing an incredible 29 turnovers from UH. This led to a massive 31-11 advantage in points off turnovers and a dominant 50-22 scoreline in the paint.
The game was a back-and-forth affair in the early stages, with both teams trading baskets. However, a 21-1 run by Montana State, fueled by UH's turnovers, shifted the momentum in their favor. Jamison Phillip's 3-pointer and a subsequent steal and layup by Addison Harris extended the Bobcats' lead to 17 points.
As the third quarter wound down, UH mounted a late surge, with Izzy Forsyth and Jade Peacock hitting crucial 3-pointers, and Curtis adding two baskets. This cut the deficit to single digits, setting up a tense final quarter.
In the fourth, Forsyth opened with another 3-pointer, and Curtis followed with a layup, bringing UH within striking distance. But Montana State's response was swift and decisive, as they hit five straight shots, including two 3-pointers from Harris, to pull away.
And this is the part most people miss: Montana State's ability to capitalize on UH's mistakes was exceptional. They scored 16 points off turnovers in the fourth quarter alone, showcasing their efficiency and poise under pressure.
So, what does this mean for the Rainbow Wahine? Well, it's a tough loss, but it also highlights areas for improvement. With a Christmas break ahead, UH can reflect, regroup, and prepare for their upcoming Big West games.
The team will look to bounce back in 2026, starting with a two-game homestand against UC Riverside and UC San Diego. It's a new year, and the Wahine will be eager to make their mark in their final season in the Big West.
