HONOLULU (Interstat) — In a season-opening women’s NCAA Division I basketball game on Tuesday, the Hawaii Warriors used a dominant third-quarter run and a balanced scoring attack to pull away from the Portland State Vikings, securing a 74-63 victory before a crowd of 2,001 at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The Warriors improved to 1-0 on the young season, while the Vikings began their campaign at 0-1.

Hawaii established control early in the second half. After taking a 35-29 lead into halftime, the Warriors opened the third quarter with a 12-4 surge, extending their advantage to 47-33. The run was fueled by defensive pressure and efficient scoring inside, capitalizing on a theme that persisted throughout the game. Hawaii outscored Portland State 22-20 in the period, maintaining a double-digit cushion for much of the quarter and heading into the fourth with a 57-49 lead.

Portland State mounted a challenge in the final period, cutting the deficit to single digits on several occasions. A layup by Laynee Torres-Kahapea brought the Vikings within 63-59 with just over seven minutes remaining. However, the Warriors responded with key baskets to stifle the rally. A driving layup from Danijela Kujovic and a putback by Saniyah Neverson on the next possession pushed the lead back to eight points, and Hawaii managed the clock effectively down the stretch to seal the win.

The game was characterized by Hawaii’s interior dominance and ability to capitalize on Portland State’s mistakes. The Warriors outscored the Vikings 42-34 in the paint and converted Portland State’s 14 turnovers into 14 points, while the Vikings managed only 5 points off Hawaii’s turnovers.

Portland State was led by a stellar performance from guard Laynee Torres-Kahapea, who poured in a game-high 22 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 36 minutes of action. She was complemented by Sophie Buzzard, who added 20 points and 5 rebounds. Kyleigh Brown also reached double figures for the Vikings, contributing 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Hawaii’s victory was a collective effort, with six players scoring at least 9 points. Bailey Flavell led the way with 14 points, while the frontcourt duo of Saniyah Neverson and Kyra Webb provided significant contributions. Neverson, from Surprise, Arizona, recorded a double-double with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Webb, a native of Melbourne, Arkansas, nearly matched her with 10 points and a game-high 7 rebounds.

The Warriors also received strong play from their international contingent. Danijela Kujovic of Victoria Point, Australia, stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks. Teyahna Bond from Cairns, Australia, chipped in 11 points and dished out a team-best 5 assists. Kira-May Filemu of Wattle Grove, Australia, provided a spark off the bench with 9 points.

The first half was a tightly contested affair. Hawaii held a narrow 16-11 lead after one quarter, but Portland State’s offense found its rhythm in the second period. The Vikings outscored the Warriors 18-19 in the quarter, with Torres-Kahapea and Buzzard combining for several baskets to keep the game close heading into the break.

Ultimately, Hawaii’s depth and execution in the pivotal third quarter proved to be the difference. The Warriors’ defensive intensity, particularly their work on the boards and in generating turnovers, allowed them to create separation and withstand Portland State’s late push.

Portland State will look to secure its first win of the season when it returns home to face Willamette on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Hawaii continues its homestand and will host Saint Martin’s on Thursday, Nov. 13.