UH eyes road trip as bonding opportunity

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Family will be a frequently used word this week for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team.

Wallace

Hawai'i, which is off to a 3-0 start, will play its first road game of this season on Saturday at Saint Louis.

"It should help us come together as a team," UH head coach Riley Wallace said. "You want to build that team bond, and a road trip is a good way to do it."

It will also be a homecoming of sorts for Wallace. He was raised in Jerseyville, Ill., which is about an hour's drive away from St. Louis.

Wallace said he is expecting 250 friends and family members to attend Saturday's game.

"I think the whole town is coming," he said.

Part of the reason for departing so early in the week was to allow Wallace to play tour guide for his team.

He said he plans to take the 'Bows to see the St. Louis Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium — home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team — and the Mississippi River.

"I want to share some of my culture from growing up there," Wallace said. "I want to take them out to see things as a group. But when it comes time to focus, we'll focus."

The early season trip will also give the new 'Bows a chance to experience the lengthy travel that comes with playing for all Hawai'i teams.

"I remember my first year, I never got used to it," senior forward Vaidotas Peciukas said. "It's hard to get a good night's sleep because of the time (difference). But now, I'm a little more used to it. This one will be good because it's a short trip — only one game. It'll show the new guys what it's all about before we start the WAC."

Saturday's game is part of a home-and-home agreement between Hawai'i and Saint Louis. The Billikens will play at the Stan Sheriff Center early next season.

Sottos also expected to have large following

Senior guard Jake Sottos said he is expecting around 150 friends and relatives at Saturday's game. He was raised in Monmouth, Ill., which is about a five-hour drive from St. Louis.

"It's not that close, but it's as close as I'll get to playing at home," Sottos said.

Saint Louis struggling so far this season

The Billikens are 1-3 after losing a home game to Oral Roberts, 55-54, on Saturday.

The three losses are by a combined 11 points, including one loss in overtime. The Billikens, who went 19-13 last season, are known for their defense, and are allowing just 55.8 points per game this season.

"They play that slow-down game," Wallace said. "Every possession becomes crucial."

Izik Ohanon, a 6-9 senior forward from Israel, leads the Billikens in scoring (13.8) and rebounding (6.3)

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.