The Keisha Kanekoa era got off to a rousing if nerve-racking start as the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team held off Washington, 80-75, last night in the opening round of the Waikiki Beach Marriott Classic at Stan Sheriff Center.

Kanekoa, a heralded freshman point guard from Honoka'a, led four Rainbow Wahine in double figures with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting (4 of 6 from the line) to go with three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Senior center Tanya Smith converted just five of her 19 shot attempts but finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.

Junior reserve Michelle Augustavo scored all 20 of her points in the second half as the Huskies bombed their way through a 15-point second-half deficit to come within a shot of tying the game in the final seconds. Freshman center Jess McCormack chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds for Washington.

The Rainbows' season debut brought to life head coach Jim Bolla's hopes and concerns for the season as they executed their fast-paced offense and high-pressure defense with thrilling precision for much of the game, but watched their only two true post players foul out in the second half as Augustavo and the Huskies mounted a manic comeback.

"It was our first game and I'm happy with the win, but we've got a few things to work on," Bolla said. "I thought the press was somewhat effective in the first half. This is the first time that we've gone full-court like this in the three years I've been here, but this is what we want to continue to try to do."

The 'Bows took charge from the tip as Saundra Cariaga scored a put-back layup and converted the ensuing free throw, and Galdones nailed two early 3-pointers to give UH an 11-3 lead in the first five minutes.

"If they leave me open, I'm going to shoot it," Leilani Galdones said.

As Bolla promised, the 'Bows ran at every opportunity, with Kanekoa repeatedly hitting open teammates on the break.

Defensively, the 'Bows' full-court pressure and half-court traps rattled the Huskies into rhythm-busting turnovers and rushed shots.

When the Huskies briefly tried to return the favor midway through the half, the 'Bows broke the pressure with quick, over-the-top passes for easy scores.

It was a strong debut for the Kanekoa, who scored her first collegiate points seven minutes into the game on a curling half-hook off the dribble.

The freshman proved a capable scorer, bulling her way into the lane for layups and pull-up jumpers, but it was her poise as a ball-handler and playmaker that left the biggest impression on a small but vocal crowd.

Kanekoa ripped down a rebound off a Huskies' miss, split two defenders and hit Galdones for a spot-up 3-pointer to stretch the lead to 11.

The 'Bows' transition game made creators of Kanekoa's teammates, as well.

With four minutes left in the half, Megan Tinnin took the outlet and delivered a 40-foot bounce pass that caught Smith in full stride for an easy layup to give UH a 34-23 lead.

The 'Bows led 38-25 at the half, holding Washington to just 31 percent shooting from the field.

Kanekoa's pull-up jumper in transition five minutes into the second half capped an 8-0 run that gave the 'Bows a seemingly secure 51-37 advantage.

But the Huskies managed to stick around thanks to the steady play of guard Sami Whitcomb (nine points, six rebounds) and the suddenly hot shooting of Augustavo, who shot 5-of-11 from 3-point range in the half.

The 'Bows started with a one-post offense, alternating Smith and 6-5 center Iwona Zagrobelna but switched to playing both players at the same time to exploit Zagrobelna's shooting and passing abilities.

The move paid dividends until Zagrobelna picked up three quick fouls early in the second half. She continued to play, leaving the floor only briefly after getting hit in the face, and eventually fouled out with more than 10 minutes left in the game. Smith, who played 31 bruising minutes, fouled out with 53 seconds left.

"If you get your fourth you're staying in," Bolla said. "Why waste time on the bench? We've got to learn to play with fouls."

Smith's final foul was doubly costly as she hit Augustavo on a 3-point attempt. Augustavo converted all three free throws to cut the UH lead to 73-66.

Augustavo and Whitcomb hit consecutive 3-pointers on Washington's next two possessions to cut the lead to just two points, but the 'Bows hit three of six free-throw attempts down the stretch to preserve the win. Augustavo's final 3-point attempt with .5 seconds left missed the rim.

Kanekoa's calm demeanor on the court belied her pre-game anxiety.

"I thought I was going to choke," she said. "I was nervous about that first shot of adrenaline, but I felt better when I got the ball in my hands for the first couple of dribbles."

Kita Liekpalne finished with 17 points and eight rebounds for Hawai'i.

UH plays UC Davis at 7 tonight as the tournament continues. UC Davis defeated Northern Arizona, 68-52, in yesterday's opening game. Paige Mintun and Heather Bates each scored 13 points for UC Davis.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.