Beavers, Hurricanes to play for Maui Classic title
Oregon State's Kelsey Rees uses a pump fake to get Western Kentucky defenders Josie Gilvin (right) and Zsofia Telegdy in the air in the third quarter Thursday. Rees, who was fouled on the play, scored 13 points in Oregon State's 80-58 win.
By MATTHEW THAYER
Host Oregon State led from start to finish to topple Western Kentucky, 80-58, in the annual Maui Classic women's college basketball tournament's opener Thursday evening at Seabury Hall's Erdman Athletic Center in Olinda. The win moved the Beavers to 4-7 on the year, while the Lady Toppers dropped to 8-2.
In the tourney's other opening-night game, University of Miami rolled past Nevada, 84-53, to improve to 10-1 on the year. Nevada fell to 5-7.
Miami's Natalija Marshall and Nevada's Kendra Hicks battle for rebound position on a first-quarter free throw Thursday.
The victories place Oregon State and Miami in tonight's championship final at Seabury. The championship game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., with consolation play between Nevada and Western Kentucky kicking off at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are free for the tournament presented by Vertical Sports Maui, but must be secured online. The stands were packed for both of Thursday's games and there are reportedly few tickets left for today's games.
Oregon State high scorer Catarina Ferreira is fouled by Western Kentucky's Zsofia Telegdy in the third quarter Thursday. Ferreira scored 26 points against the Lady Toppers.
Oregon State, which reached the Elite Eight in last year's NCAA Division I championship tournament, was paced by guard Catarina Ferreira, who poured in 26 points. Backcourt mate Tiara Bolden added 23 and forward Kelsey Rees chipped in 13. Western Kentucky was led by guard Destiny Salary's 21 points.
Miami's Haley Cavinder drives between Nevada's Victoria Davis and Audrey Roden in the first quarter of the Hurricanes' 84-53 win Thursday at Seabury Hall's Erdman Athletic Center. Cavinder scored a game-high 25 points.
Miami's Haley Cavinder, a dynamic 5-foot-6 guard out of Gilbert, Ariz., led her team in points, 25, rebounds, 12, and assists, 7. Nevada's Lexie Givens scored 18 points to lead the Wolf Pack.
(Note: University of Miami defeated Oregon State, 61-56, Friday to win the Maui Classic title. Cavinder scored 20 points and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. In the game for third place, Western Kentucky topped Nevada, 80-70.)
Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi members Noelani Deguilmo (foreground) and Ka'iulani Quisaat perform hula to the song "Silent Night" during halftime of Thursday evening's game between Oregon State and Western Kentucky at Erdman Athletic Center.
Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi members Ka'iulani Quisaat (background) and Noelani Deguilmo perform hula to the song "Mele Kalikimaka" during halftime of Thursday evening's game between Oregon State and Western Kentucky at Erdman Athletic Center. Quinsaat is a Seabury Hall senior.
Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck stalks the sideline Thursday.
University of Miami head coach Tricia Cullop draws up a first-quarter play for her team Thursday.
Miami's Jasmyne Roberts drives for a first-quarter layup against Nevada in front of a large turnout at Erdman Athletic Center Thursday night.
Oregon State's defense awaits Western Kentucky's Alexis Mead as she dribbles upcourt in the first quarter Thursday.
Oregon State's Tiara Bolden drives past Western Kentucky's Alexis Mead for a second-half basket on her way to scoring 23 points.
Nevada's Audrey Roden is guarded by Miami's Haley Cavinder as she drives in the first quarter Thursday. Roden scored 16 points for the Wolf Pack.
Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck talks to his squad during a fourth-quarter timeout Thursday.
Miami's Natalija Marshall drives to score two first-quarter points Thursday against Nevada.