Ashley Kiko puts up a shot against Nanakuli Tuesday night. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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020315_RooNana_0343.jpg - Greg Yamamoto | SL

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A hot start in the beginning boosted fourth-ranked Roosevelt past Nanakuli, 65-45 in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Division I Playoff semifinals at McKinley's Student Council Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

The Rough Riders advance to the OIA title game and will play Radford at 7 p.m.

Three Roosevelt starters scored in double figures— Starr Rivera led the way with 16 points, Keala Quinlan added 12 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks, and Ashley Kiko contributed 10 points.

"The distribution with all five of our starters getting into the action in one way or another. They shot the ball well, got touches and defensively we got some layups," said Roosevelt coach Hinano Higa.

Roosevelt jumped out to a quick lead, 6-4 and from there went on a 10-2 run. Rivera hit a 3-pointer from the left corner to make it 19-6 and Nanakuli called a timeout at 1:22. Kaonohi Quinlan hit another 3-pointer as the Rough Riders took a 22-9 lead going into the second quarter. The Rough Riders shot 4 of 6 from the 3-point line.

"Our team can shoot the ball and we were hot tonight," said Rivera. "We closed up on the guards and we we're covering each other. We were in control. We were running a lot and keeping them in front."

"They come in the beginning of the game with high energy. Once we get those buckets falling for us, the energy picks up for us here and there," said Higa. "Nanakuli did a good job in the very beginning and they got us on some runs on transition. As a coach I wasn't happy and we had to stop that immediately, we put a little bit more pressure on the ball so the pass doesn't get there."

Rivera and Keala Quinlan combined for 10 of the team's 14 quarter points. Roosevelt scored four straight points at the end—Sharice Kawakami's steal and layup and Quinlan's drive and spin gave the Rough Riders a 36-17 lead at halftime.

Roosevelt maintained a 20-point lead and went up 50-23 and closed out the third quarter on a 7-0 run.

"Everytime we come of a huddle, timeout or halftime, it's never about being satisfied with where it is right now. It's never comfortable until the game is done. I remind them that we need to pick it up and level out and finish the game strong," said Higa.

The Rough Riders led by as much as 33-points in the fourth. Nanakuli made a late run and outscored Roosevelt 22 to 15 in the quarter. Ciera O'Brien led the Lady Hawks with 11 points and scored 7 of her 11 in the fourth.