Home finale against Rice a must-win for Rainbows

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

For dessert, how about Rice?

Predrag Savovic, left, Mike McIntyre, center, and Mindaugas Burneika play their last home game tonight. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

"It's still exciting to talk about the Tulsa game," UH senior Predrag Savovic said. "But we have another game to worry about now. Beating Tulsa didn't make us the champions yet. We still have work to do."

The Rainbow Warriors will play their home finale tonight against Rice. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The 'Bows are 22-4 overall and alone atop the Western Athletic Conference standings at 13-2. Hawai'i needs to win at least two of its three remaining regular-season games to clinch the WAC championship.

"We can lose one more game, but it cannot be against Rice," UH senior Mindaugas Burneika said. "This is our last home game and we haven't lost at home (in the WAC)."

Tonight is also Senior Night, and Savovic, Burneika and Mike McIntyre will be honored after the game.

In addition to being three of the team's best shooters, the trio has also shared captain duties during what is becoming one of the greatest seasons in UH history.

"The funny thing is all three of them have completely different personalities," UH head coach Riley Wallace said. "But they've accepted the responsibility. Those three guys are a big reason why this team is where it's at right now."

Savovic, a 6-foot-6 guard, is the biggest reason.

He leads the team with 20.5 points per game and 57 3-pointers. In three seasons at UH, he has amassed 1,297 points, which is the sixth best total in school history. His next 3-pointer will tie him with Alika Smith for the all-time lead in that category.

"After the game, I will think more about it," he said. "But I want to take care of the game first."

Savovic, a two-time Academic All-District selection, maintains a 3.25 grade point average while majoring in international business and finance.

"Savo was kind of floundering when he first came here because he didn't quite fit in," Wallace said. "But now, he's found his place here. Everybody understands him and they let him be Savo."

Burneika, a 6-7 forward, is one of the team's most versatile players. With the size for the low-post and the shooting touch for the perimeter, he is a nightmare matchup for opponents.

He is also the team comedian.

"Mindaugas has a personality that everybody likes," Wallace said. "He's outgoing, but he can also be serious."

McIntyre, a 6-3 guard, is the only four-year player on this season's team. In his freshman season, the 'Bows finished 6-20.

"To see what Mike went through from his first year here to now, it's a great story," Wallace said. "He was a young kid when he came in, but he'll leave as a man."

He'll also leave as one of the best long-range shooters in school history. He ranks second on the team with 47 3-pointers, and most of them came during furious flurries that amazed crowds both at home and on the road.

His 143 career 3-pointers ranks behind only Smith and Savovic.

"There was great improvement every year I was here," McIntyre said. "I'm just glad I had a chance to be here to experience that."

• • •

	Mindaugas Burneika Height, weight, hometown: 6-7, 225, Kaunas, Lithuania Background: Transferred to UH from Weatherford College (Texas) in 2000. Played on the Lithuania team that placed fifth in the World University Games last summer. Accomplishments: Has flourished in the "sixth man" role for UH the past two seasons. He currently ranks fourth on the team with 9.0 points per game and 28 3-pointers. Why I chose Hawai'i: "Mainly because of Nerijus (Puida, a former teammate who is also from Lithuania). But I also wanted to have a chance to win the conference and we can do that." What I'll remember most about being a Rainbow Warrior: "For last year, it was winning the WAC (Tournament). For this year, it's the whole year."
	Mike McIntyre Height, weight, hometown: 6-3, 205, Long Beach, Calif. Background: Recruited to UH out of Long Beach Poly High. Considered one of the team's best 3-point shooters and one-on-one defenders. Accomplishments: Along with Burneika, has flourished in the "sixth man" role this season. He currently ranks third on the team with 9.8 points per game and is second with 47 3-pointers. Why I chose Hawai'i: "It was something different — a different atmosphere with different people, and I liked that." What I'll remember most about being a Rainbow Warrior: "Probably the sellout crowd against Tulsa (on Thursday). It was an amazing thing to be a part of."
	Predrag Savovic Height, weight, hometown: 6-6, 225, Herceg Novi, Yugoslavia Background: Transferred to UH from Alabama-Birmingham in 1998. Well-known for his basketball skills on the court and his zany antics off it. After sinking the game-winning free throws during a game in his sophomore year, offered the now famous explanation: "I am Savo." Accomplishments: Will finish his career as one of UH's top five scorers all-time, and its top 3-point shooter. Averaging 20.5 points per game this season, and is one of the leading candidates for WAC Player of the Year. Why I chose Hawai'i: "Because of the people and the coaches." What I'll remember most about being a Rainbow Warrior: "Winning the WAC (Tournament) last year, and having the opportunity to meet all the wonderful people of Hawai'i."