University of Connecticut Athletics
Taurasi Leads Huskies to Rainbow Wahine Classic Final
11/30/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HONOLULU, HI (Nov. 30) - Behind 18 points, six rebound and seven assists from junior Diana Taurasi (Chino, CA), the University of Connecticut downed Hawaii 60-53 on Saturday, to advance to the Rainbow Wahine Classic Championship. Connecticut moves to 4-0 on the season and will play the winner of the Oklahoma/North Carolina matchup on Sunday, while Hawaii falls to 4-1.
Connecticut trailed for the first time since the Wright State game as they fell behind 6-2, but UConn rebounded with an 8-0 run to take a 10-6 lead. Hawaii tied it again at 10-10, when the Huskies went on a 12-0 run to take the lead for good at 22-10. Connecticut finished the half with a 33-21 lead and were paced by Taurasi with nine points and five assists.
The second half saw UConn jump out to a 15 point lead at 46-31, but Hawaii fought back to close it to within four at 55-51 with 4:39 to play. Connecticut finished the game on a 5-2 run for the final score of 60-53
The Huskies also received outstanding performances from sophomore Ashley Battle (Pittsburgh, PA) and freshman Ann Strother (Castle Rock, CO). Battle led UConn on the boards with eight rebounds and added 13 points, while Strother hit back to back threes to end the first half and finish the game with 11 points. Connecticut out rebounded Hawaii 40-35, but the Huskies only shot 36% from the field.
Hawaii was led by Christen Roper with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, while April Atuaia added a team high 17 points.
UConn returns to action tomorrow at 3:20 pm (8:20 pm eastern) against either North Carolina or Oklahoma for the Rainbow Wahine Classic Championship.
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