HONOLULU, Hawaii – The final game of the Bank of Hawai'i Classic had each fan sitting on the edge of their seat to see who would prevail. Defense was key in the final bout in Honolulu as each team forced more than 15 turnovers. The tight contest concluded with Hawai'i on top, 56-53.
 
Top performers for the Aggies were Tyesha Taylor and Tamera William each each earned a spot on the Bank of Hawai'i All-Tournament Team. At the end of the final game, William put up 11 points and nine rebounds, while Taylor had 10 points of her own, coming off the bench.  
The game began with an aggressive first half that seemed to work against each team offensively. The stats sheet featured more fouls (13) than combined baskets (11) for the two teams. However, the play did allow the Aggies to start 5-6 from the free throw line and finish the quarter ahead, 11-6.
 
NM State and Hawai'i did not shy away from sending the opponent to the line in the second quarter, as well. The style of play allowed the Aggies to gain a seven point lead midway through the quarter, which was their largest lead of the game. However, the Rainbow Wahine began to attack from deep and after a last second three-pointer, the Aggies entered the locker room trailing 23-22.
 
At halftime, New Mexico State play was led by Tamera William as she had six points and a game-leading seven rebounds. After Jasmine Cooper committed her third personal foul, senior Brandee Walton entered the game and did not disappoint as she hit a big three-pointer, her first basket of the year, to end a seven-point run by Hawai'i.
 
When the third quarter began, Hawai'i struck first and seemed to be gaining momentum over the next six minutes of play as they held the lead. However, NM State got shot of life in them as some tough defense, highlighted by three blocks and two steals for the team, kept the Aggies down by only one at the end of the third quarter, 35-34.
 
Hawai'i tied their largest lead of the game in the fourth quarter when they went up 43-37 with 7:02 left in the game and NM State then called a timeout to slow down the opposition. The call worked as NM State battled back and caused six lead changes to close out the game. Tensions were high over the final two minutes of the game as the teams traded baskets all the way til the clock read 0:00. Unfortunately for the Aggies, when things were all said and done, Hawai'i walked out on top, 56-53, and won the Bank of Hawai'i Classic
 
The Aggies will head home and have a quick turnaround as they host Pepperdine on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 1:00 p.m in the Pan American Center.
 
Tournament MVP: #4 Briana Harris, Guard, University of Hawai'i
 
All-Tournament Team: #21 Tamera William, Guard, New Mexico State
#50, Tyesha Taylor, Forward, New Mexico State
#10 Makenna Woodfolk, Forward, University of Hawai'i
#10 Mailee Jones, Guard, Youngstown State
#10 Margaret Huntington, Forward, Sacramento State