Punahou's Kamaile Kandiah scored 14 points and recorded four steals in a win over Farrington. Steve Erler | SL

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Punahou's Kamaile Kandiah scored 14 points and recorded four steals in a win over Farrington. Steve Erler | SL

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SALT LAKE — Punahou shook off a slow start to surge past Farrington, 48-28 in the first round of the  OC16/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division I Girls Basketball Championships at Moanalua Gymnasium Tuesday night.

The Buffanblu, ranked fourth in the ScoringLive/Hawaiian Electric Girls Basketball Power Rankings, were able to outscore the tenth-ranked Governors in the final three quarters to overcome a 2-for-17 shooting performance in the opening period.

Kamaile Kandiah scored 14 points and was 5-for-5 at the free throw line to help the Buffanblu move on to face defending state champion Konawaena in the quarterfinals.

Elle Uyeda had eight points off of two made 3-pointers and Abby Aplaca and Tyra Moe each had seven points. Lexie Taylor added two triples off the bench and Vae Malufau and four points and seven rebounds in her first game back from a shoulder injury that kept her out of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I postseason.

Molimau Heimuli had 18 points and seven rebounds to lead the Governors, who committed 20 turnovers.