NUUANU— Rylie Wada exploded for 31 points to lead Hawaii Baptist to a 65-46 win over University High Tuesday night at Hawaii Baptist Academy Gymnasium.

Jenee Brown and Stephanie Dang added nine points each for the Eagles, who outscored the visiting Bows in every quarter.

Wada knocked down 10 field goals on the evening, including two three-pointers, and was also a perfect 9-for-9 from the charity stripe.

"We practice free throws a lot at practice because free throws and lay ups are the game," said Wada when questioned about her free throw routine. "In tight games they really matter so coach makes us practice free throws everyday." 

Her output against University doubled her previous season high, when she put up 15 points against Le Jardin on December 12.

Riley has been a three year starter for the Lady Eagles and head coach Keith Sugiura admires the devotion and hard work Wada brings to the team.

"Rylie has been a rock and a leader for us," said Sugiura. "She is a three year starter for us but even as a freshman she started half the games for us. it's really nice to see her develop over the years. She puts in the times in the offseason so it's really nice to see all of that hard work and all of that dedication come to fruition this season year. I'm really proud of her."

Hawaii Baptist Academy (6-0) used their speed to effectively control the uptempo guard play of University High amassing 17 steals in the game. 

"It was a little bit of a matchup for us. Markayisha is a really good player and is hard to match up," remarked Sugiura. "I think their guards, Markayisha, Brenna, and Kyra, are sometimes a hard matchup for teams to face. They did a good good job of trying to allow their players to make plays tonight and obviously they were able to make some good ones. Credit to them."

Kyra Young had a team-high 20 points for the Bows in the loss, and like Wada, did not miss from the free throw line, hitting all eight of her attempts.

The Lady Eagles host Saint Francis team at 5:00 p.m. Friday January 9, while University High will face off against Damien at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 8.