Life keeps getting better for the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team.

Senior forward Pam Tambini had a game-high 20 points with eight rebounds and Hawai'i won its sixth consecutive game, beating Utah State, 79-63, yesterday at the Stan Sheriff Center.

"I'm always proud of them," Hawai'i acting head coach Pat Charity said. "They play as hard as they can, and leave everything out on the court."

After the game, Charity said a recovering Jim Bolla could rejoin the team for Saturday's Western Athletic Conference home finale against San Jose State.

"It depends on how he's feeling," Charity said. "I keep hoping and praying that he shows up. I know he's going to want to be here for senior night."

Bolla is on medical leave following an undisclosed surgical procedure Feb. 5.

The 'Bows have gone 4-0 under Charity, and matched their season-high point total of 79 for the second consecutive game.

Yesterday, a crowd of 348 watched UH (13-12, 7-6 WAC) pull away from the Aggies (10-14, 6-6) by using a balanced attack, a relentless inside game and an energized defense.

"It's a tough matchup for us," Utah State interim coach George Brosky said. "Their big kids are so physical, so good and so strong. Hawai'i hit shots tonight and they executed."

Hawai'i senior guard Janevia Taylor scored 16 points in her third consecutive start. Junior forward Tanya Smith contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds, and senior center Brittany Grice had 12 points.

The 'Bows outrebounded the Aggies, 42-26, including 19-5 on the offensive glass. They also outscored the visitors, 25-4, on second-chance points, and in the key, 42-24.

"We did a great job again as a team," said Smith, who came through in the second half with 12 points and eight rebounds. "For the seniors, we know these are their last few games, so we're giving it all for them."

Utah State senior forward Brittany Phillips was held to one point in the second half after burning the 'Bows for 17 points before intermission.

"We tried to do some switching, and step up and make her go the other way," Charity said.

The 'Bows limited the Aggies to 31-percent shooting in the second half. In its last six victories, Hawai'i's opponents are shooting 35 percent for the game.

"We're playing some good defense these past few games on the streak," Taylor said. "The chemistry is starting to kick in, and it's starting with our defense."

Yesterday, 13 of 14 Hawai'i players saw action, and 11 scored.

The 'Bows led by as many as five points in the first half, and stretched it to 17 twice in the final minutes when Utah State was forced to foul.

Hawai'i junior guard Shannon Nishi and sophomore guard Catherine Cho each scored their first points of the season.

The game was originally scheduled for Saturday night, but it was rescheduled because the Aggies experienced travel delays.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.