The workaholics known as the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team put in extra work on fundamentals yesterday.

Hawai'i — still buzzing over its 71-66 overtime loss to conference favorite Louisiana Tech on Thursday — worked to "clean some things up" for tonight's game against visiting New Mexico State, according to UH coach Jim Bolla.

"We need to get back on track," said Bolla, whose team had its eight-game winning streak snapped against the Lady Techsters.

"We know we have stuff to work on, we always do," said UH forward Pam Tambini, who scored a team-high 16 points Thursday. "It just opened our eyes and gave us a bit of a reality check."

The Rainbow Wahine (10-3 overall, 1-1 Western Athletic Conference) nearly pulled off its second consecutive upset of Louisiana Tech, but hurt themselves with 24 turnovers and fundamental lapses.

"It was a crazy, intense game, and I think we got away from our game plan," UH forward Brittany Grice said. "I think everyone is feeling the sting from the loss. We're going to come out with a vengeance (tonight)."

On defense, the Rainbow Wahine failed to help one another when Louisiana Tech players drove baseline, Bolla said.

In addition, Hawai'i's offense stalled when post players did not complete predesigned rolls to the basket, and its guards failed to properly come off screens, Bolla said.

"It's fundamentals," Bolla said. "That's what we need to get back to."

The second-year UH coach also wanted his team to get off to faster starts and to work on its ballhandling.

On Thursday, the Lady Techsters scored 21 of their 71 points off turnovers.

"That's what kills us," Bolla said. "You can't afford to turn the ball over against a good team and let them score."

One of the bright spots was the play of Tambini. The 5-foot-10 junior from San Jose, Calif., shot 6 of 11 from the field, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range, and had six rebounds.

"We need to get her to shoot the ball," Bolla said of Tambini. "I gave her an ultimatum. I told her, 'shoot it, and if you're not going to shoot it, then you're going to come out.' We're passing up too many open shots."

Tonight's opponent, New Mexico State, is led by Irma Kmitaite, who averages 12.4 points per game.

The Aggies (4-10, 1-2) have won four of their last eight after losing their first six games.

NOTES

UH will host Family Night festivities tonight. A UH Kids' Club Reception begins at 6 in Wong Hospitality Room. Children will also join the women's team on the court for a pre-game ceremony.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.