The UH-Hilo women’s basketball team’s full-game effort couldn’t trump No. 7 Alaska Anchorage’s talent and all its intangibles.
In a rematch, the Seawolves capitalized on turnovers and thumped the Vulcans 80-33 on Friday night before a gathering of 227 at Hilo Civic.
At least the Vuls don’t have to worry about another ranked team pushing its weight around until next year.
The Vuls (0-2) get someone their own size when they face Alaska Fairbanks (2-2) at 2 p.m. Saturday to close a taxing three-day, three-game homestand at their home away from home.
The only other ranked team on UHH’s schedule is PacWest foe and national runner-up Cal Baptist. The Vuls take on the No. 3 Lancers on Jan. 5 on the road and Jan. 25 at Hilo Civic.
The Seawolves (10-0) didn’t really go full blast and spread out their minutes. In fact, Jessica Madison came off the bench and scored 20 points to lead the way. Megan Mullings shot 7 of 10 from the field and had 19 points in 22 minutes.
UAA often took uncontested outside shots or made nice entry passes to Mullings, a reason for its 53 percent (28 of 53) shooting from the field, including 9 of 21 from 3-point range.
The Seawolves also attacked the rim when they felt like it and buried 15 of 21 free throws. The Vuls didn’t really have anyone who dribble-penetrated. Felicia Kolb went 2 of 2 from the line and that was it for UHH.
As for UHH’s offensive struggles, 26 percent (13 of 50) shooting from the floor, that was due to Alaska Anchorage’s swift help-side defense. The Seawolves closed driving lanes, and had a good habit of blocking out. They outrebounded the Vuls, 40-24.
UHH had 25 turnovers and each one proved costly and UAA had 18 giveaways but refused to give up easy points. Off turnovers, the Seawolves outscored the Vuls, 31-8.
The Seawolves led 41-16 at halftime, thanks to 55 percent (16 of 29) shooting from the field and UHH’s cold touch at 27 percent (7 of 26).
UAA didn’t have the same rhythm with point guard Kiki Robertson playing just 10 minutes in the first half. The junior guard from Mid-Pacific picked up two fouls in the first period. She’s the daughter of Michael Robertson and finished with four points in 14 minutes.
Who’s he?
He was on the Chaminade team that upset Virginia and Ralph Sampson in 1982.
The best advice she got from her dad?
“He just told me to play hard,” she said. “I just try to bring energy to the team. Our defense brings a lot of energy. I didn’t choose the school for the location. I chose the school because of my teammates and the coaching staff.”
Last season, UAA hosted the first round of the NCAA Division II national championships and fell to Point Loma, a burning loss that compelled most of the Seawolves to stay in the cold of Alaska during the summer to work out.
“Most of us stayed and that brought us closer together,” Robertson said. “It made us into a family and we worked together and it keeps each one of us accountable.”
Kim Schmelz scored 14 points on 6 of 11 shooting, often draining jumpers from the right elbow, to lead UHH. The freshman guard from Rancho Murieta, Calif., was the only Vul in double figures, and had just two turnovers in 29 minutes.
“She shot better than 50 percent both nights,” UHH coach David Kaneshiro said. “She played with a lot of poise. It’s her first two college games and she had a good floor game. She’s a smart player, and we’re lucky to have her.”
Kaneshiro pointed out that ranked teams, like the Seawolves, bring more than talent to the floor.
“I’m happy we played hard the whole way through. They have more than talent,” Kaneshiro said of UAA. “They’re smart and experienced and they do a good job. You have to credit them, too.”
