Hawai'i rallied from a 25-point second half deficit, but fell short to Portland State, 78-72, yesterday in the Women of Troy Classic at Los Angeles.

Hawai'i (4-6) faces Grambling State (1-7) today. USC (6-4) beat Grambling and faces Portland State (9-1) in the championship game.

The Rainbow Wahine shot a poor 9-of-28 from the field and had 13 turnovers in the first half to trail 43-22 at halftime.

Two free throws by Kelli Valentine and a jump shot by Kelsey Kahle gave Portland State a 47-22 lead with 18:47 to go.

But the Rainbow Wahine slowly chipped away at that lead behind Tanya Smith, who scored 17 of her team-high 21 points and had nine rebounds in the second half.

A 3-point shot by Megan Tinnin closed Portland State's lead to 74-72 with 17 seconds remaining.

On the ensuing possession, UH's Catherine Cho fouled Delaney Conway, who made two free throws with 16 seconds to go to give Vikings a 76-72 lead.

A turnover by Hawai'i's Keisha Kanekoa gave Portland State the ball back. UH's Saundra Cariaga fouled Kahle, who made two more free throws to seal the victory with 2 seconds to go.

Smith was UH's leading rebounder with 12. Cariaga added 13 points, Kanekoa and Tinnin each had 11 and Dita Liepkalne added 10 for the Rainbow Wahine.

Poor free-throw shooting also plagued the Rainbows, who made just 11-of-19.

In the second half, Hawai'i hit 19 of 36 shots from the field and out-rebounded the Vikings, 24-11.

Kahle led Portland State with 29 points and 11 rebounds. Conway added 14 points and Kelly Marchant 12.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.