HONOLULU – The Chaminade University women's basketball wrapped up the 2014 O'ahu Thanksgiving Classic with a 89-64 loss to Montana State-Billings Friday at McKinley High School's Student Council Gymnasium.
The Silverswords (0-4) were led by
Katie Buskey, who dropped in 13 points and six rebounds.
Kristle Henry added 12 points and five steals while
Kennedi Akana had 10 points and four boards.
Two Yellowjackets had 20-10 performances with Kayleen Goggins getting 25 points and 10 rebounds while Alisha Breen had 21 and 11.
Despite being out-rebounded, the 'Swords managed to force 21 turnovers against Montana State-Billings, an NCAA West Regional finalist last season.
MSUB managed to grab a 41-21 lead with 2:40 left in the first half, but the 'Swords ended it with a flurry. A
Sabrina Angle 3-pointer followed by buckets from
Carissa McBride and
Glacen Florita cut into the deficit. Akana hit a layup with 11 seconds left, then Henry stole the subsequent inbounds pass, hit a layup and drew the foul with seven seconds left. Despite missing the and-1 free throw, their 11-0 run to end the half on five straight field goals drew them to within single digits at the break, 41-32.
The Silverswords continued to ride the momentum into the second half as Buskey hit four free throws followed by an Akana layup to cut the deficit to five at 43-38 just 90 seconds in. MSUB brought their lead back to double-digits to 10 before
Shana Kawakami's layup reduced Chaminade's deficit back to 51-43 with 14:42 left. But the 'Swords went the next five minutes without a point as the Yellowjackets re-established a 20-point lead to help put the game away.
The Silverswords will open Pacific West Conference action next Thursday when they host Hawai'i-Hilo at McCabe Gym, the team's first home game of the season. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. with live streaming audio coverage at GoSwords.com.
