MĀNOA — Members of the University women's basketball team could barely hear themselves warm up. Of the 1,747 that passed through the Stan Sheriff Center turnstiles on Friday, 1,200 were elementary schoolers from various schools across the state, some coming from as far as Lānaʻi.
As part of UH's "Education Day," tipoff time between the Rainbow Wahine and Loyola Marymount, the first game of the Bank of Hawai‘i Classic, was set for 11 a.m. on Friday. When the crowd of keiki was at its loudest, attendance numbers may as well have shown that the arena was filled to its maximum capacity of 10,300 fans. Using the energy from the atmosphere, the 'Bows held on for a 55-51 victory, clinching their first 3-0 start since the 2015-2016 season.
"I just want to say thank you to the parents and Department of Education, our upper campus people. It was loud, and I know these guys felt that energy, and I think maybe it made them a little bit nervous during warm ups, because they would scream every time they all would just make a layup," Hawai‘i head coach Laura Beeman said after the game. "That's why we do what we do, right? We're playing basketball to help develop these kids. And these guys are such unbelievable role models. I think the little kids saw from them that you just don't give up. If you don't give up and keep working, good things are going to happen. So, I wanted to say that first.
"Second, this team is just continuing to find a way. It's not pretty, it is gritty and we're learning every single time we step on the floor. ... We played a good team that pressured us, and so we just have to continue to grow. But incredibly proud of this group for once again, finding a way being down in the fourth quarter and coming back."
Friday's contest between the Rainbow Wahine and Lions was close throughout. Loyola Marymount's largest lead of the game was 39-34 with 8:15 left in the fourth quarter, prompting a UH timeout.
With the game square at 51 with 20.5 seconds remaining, the Rainbow Wahine put the ball in the hands of true freshman Bailey Flavell, who delivered with a layup that gave the 'Bows the lead for good. Hawai‘i put the game out of reach with a pair of trips to the free throw line in the closing seconds. Flavell finished with nine points and two rebounds.
"I know for so many freshmen that doesn't happen often," Flavell said. "I'm just super grateful to be in this team and be with this coaching staff that gives me the opportunity to be able to play the game that I want and to be able to get those looks and those opportunities."
"That's an incredibly humble answer," responded Beeman immediately, sitting beside Flavell in the postgame press conference. "She works hard for those moments. ... She has worked for those moments, and so, I appreciate the humility."
Following the game, the elementary schoolers left the arena but remained on campus to continue Education Day, which included a tour of campus. Each student at the game also received a gift bag.
"It was really fun. It was very loud," said Hawai‘i forward Saniyah Neverson, who finished with 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. "But I feel like it didn't get to us."
Added Flavell: "It gives you energy and adrenaline in the warm up. But, yeah, I think once the game starts, I don't even hear it"
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Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
