Shawna Kuehu had a tough 12-foot leaner from the right elbow hit back iron at the buzzer and Alabama held on to defeat the Hawaii women’s basketball team 44-43 to win the Bank of Hawaii Invitational today.

UH (4-7) was denied in its bid to win a third straight game. The Rainbow Wahine now open up Big West Conference play on Thursday at Cal State Fullerton.

Junior forward Kamilah Martin led UH with 15 points and 10 rebounds. She had a bank shot to pull UH within a point with 43.7 seconds left. UH got a stop at the other end, dribbled upcourt and called timeout with 6.4 seconds remaining.

The Wahine inbounded to Kuehu, who was doubled teamed on the right side. The junior wing had no choice but to go for the contested, off-balance shot.

Jasmine Robinson led Alabama (10-3) with 13 points.