Women's Basketball Set for Big West Semifinal Matchup vs. Hawaii

ANAHEIM, Calif.—The UC Riverside Women's Basketball team will have revenge on its mind when it takes the floor at the Honda Center on Friday at 2:30 p.m. against Hawaii in the Big West Tournament Semifinals.

The Highlanders took a 51-44 loss to Hawaii last Thursday at home. That win by the Rainbow Wahine (14-15, 10-6) helped them secure a No. 2 seed in the tournament and ultimately led to Friday's matchup.

As the No. 3 seed in this year's tournament, UCR (17-14, 10-6) played Long Beach State on Wednesday and came away with a 67-50 win. All five starters scored in double digits, with Daphne Gnago and Tianna Eaton both recording double doubles.

"We executed well and played without any fear," head coach John Margaritis said. "We played as hard as we could to win."

In the first matchup between the schools on Jan. 30, UCR came away with a 60-55 win. The Highlanders took a 19-point lead into the fourth quarter. Jannon Otto had 22 points and nine rebounds, while Daphne Gnago had 10 points and nine rebounds.

BIG WEST HONORS
On Monday, Junior Jannon Otto earned First Team All-Conference, while junior Marina Ewodo was picked for Second Team All-Conference and All-Defensive Team. Senior Malou De Kergret earned All-Conference Honorable Mention, while redshirt freshman Daphne Gnago earned a spot on the All-Freshman Team.

BLOCK PARTY
UCR has 150 blocked shots on the season, with an average of 4.8 per game. Marina Ewodo has 55 of those and is averaging 1.8 blocks per game. The team has out-blocked opponents 150-57.

OFF THE GLASS
Daphne Gnago finished second in the Big West in rebounds per game, averaging 8.1. Marina Ewodo was fourth with 7.3 rpg, while Jannon Otto was seventh with 6.6.

ASSISTING SUCCESS
UCR has out-assisted opponents so far this season. The team is averaging 15.4 assists, while opponents are averaging 11.9.

STEALS GALORE
The Highlanders finished the regular season second in the Big West in steals. The team had 153 in 16 games (9.6 per game). Keilanei Cooper finished secid in the Big West in steals/game with 2.0. Daphne Gnago finished fifth with 1.8.

IRON WOMEN
Four student-athletes finished in the Top 10 in minutes played during conference (3-6-7-9): Marina Ewodo (36.5), Malou De Kergret (35.2), Keilanei Cooper (35.0) and Jannon Otto (33.9).