The University of Hawai‘i women's basketball team was eliminated from the WBIT with a 63-46 loss at UNLV on Thursday evening.
The Rainbow Wahine's 2024-2025 campaign ends at 22-10.
On Thursday, the Rainbow Wahine jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the opening minutes, but the Rebels (26-7) led 12-10 at the end of the first quarter and took the lead for good during the second.
Big West Player of the Year Lily Wahinekapu had a game-high 18 points with three rebounds, three steals and two assists for the Rainbow Wahine.
Meadow Roland had a team-high 16 points for UNLV, which advances to face Florida in the second round of the tournament.
The 'Bows made their fourth straight postseason appearance despite starting Big West play 0-2. UH seized control of the conference regular season race during a string of 14 straight wins from Jan. 2 to Feb. 22. Eight seniors are set to depart the program.
"I'm super proud of this group. We've had a lot of adversity. We started this season with a very different roster than what we ended with, and we were able to overcome that adversity," head coach Laura Beeman said following the game. "These guys were able to pull together and go on amazing 14-game win streak. They have played for one another. They've played for our state. And if you don't live in a state where you are the only Division I team and you play for that state, understanding that statement's really hard, but incredibly honored and very proud to be the head coach of this program.
"I love these kids. I love this program. I love my state. I was not born in Hawai‘i, but it is my home, and to be able to represent a place like Hawai‘i is truly special. And I think this team really epitomizes the aloha spirit in so many different ways. And I'm just incredibly fortunate to be the head coach of this program."
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
