The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Hawai’i Outlasts Saint Mary’s 93-89 in Triple Overtime for Mitchell’s First Career Win
By Megan McCarthy
HONOLULU, Hawaii — Hawai’i survived three overtimes to earn a 93-89 victory over Saint Mary’s in the Bank of Hawai’i Classic opener at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, giving head coach Khalilah Mitchell her first career win in a game that became just the second triple-overtime contest in program history.
The Rainbow Wahine improved to 1-2, while Saint Mary’s fell to 1-3 after a game that swung repeatedly before Hawai’i finally pulled ahead in the third extra period.
Saint Mary’s established an early advantage, taking the first quarter 22-13 and carrying a 57-50 lead through three quarters. But Hawai’i kept answering. The Rainbow Wahine erased an 11-point deficit to pull even at 37-37 by halftime, then mounted another comeback late in regulation, wiping out a nine-point deficit in the final four minutes to force overtime.
Neither team could settle the contest in the first two extra periods. Both overtime sessions ended 7-7, sending the game to a third overtime tied once again.
Hawai’i found the breakthrough in the final period. Bailey Flavell scored the Rainbow Wahine’s first two baskets of the third overtime, helping set the tone as Hawai’i outscored Saint Mary’s 13-9 to secure the four-point victory.
Ritorya Tamilo led Hawai’i with 24 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Flavell finished with 17 points, a career-high 10 rebounds and five assists while playing 53 minutes. Zyriah Price contributed 13 points off the bench.
Saint Mary’s had the game’s leading scorer in NaTallia Urlacher, who finished with 26 points before fouling out with 3:14 remaining in the third overtime. Niveya Henley added 19 points and six rebounds.
The result marked Hawai’i’s first triple-overtime game since 2016 and only the second in program history. After falling behind early and needing two major comebacks to reach overtime, the Rainbow Wahine finally made the decisive plays in the third extra period.
For Mitchell, the marathon finish delivered a milestone: her first career victory as head coach.
Megan McCarthy
Women’s College Basketball, The Library Media
From The Library — the estate of our family.
