Posted on: Wednesday, December 8, 2004
'Bows have been outshot, but not outplayed
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
The only statistic the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team cares about right now is winning.
It also happens to be the only statistic the Rainbow Warriors have been good at through the first four games of the season.
Hawai'i is 4-0, its best start since the 1997-98 team started 5-0. The 'Bows have trailed in every game this season, and have had to stage second-half rallies in each of the past three games.
"It says a lot that we're 4-0 the way we've been playing," senior forward Jeff Blackett said. "No matter how the game is going, no matter how far down we are, we're not going to give up."
The 'Bows are undefeated despite shooting just 42.9 percent from the field, 37.3 percent from 3-point range, and 60.0 percent from the free-throw line.
By comparison, Hawai'i's opponents are shooting 43.1 percent from the field, 41.9 percent from 3-point range, and 75.6 percent on free throws.
"This team is taking a lot longer to learn to execute stuff than I thought they would," head coach Riley Wallace said. "But they're finding ways to win, which is a good sign. We're getting a little lucky, too, no question. One way to look at it is we're 4-0 and not even half way to where we need to be as a team."
Junior forward Julian Sensley has been the only consistent performer, scoring in double-figures in each game. He leads the team in scoring (14.5 per game), rebounding (9.3) and assists (3.3).
"We haven't shown what we're capable of yet," Blackett said. "We've shown bits and pieces, but I think it's clear to everybody that we still have to put a complete game together."
'Bows to take big test against Saint Mary's
Hawai'i will host Saint Mary's on Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center.
"They are the most talented team to come here so far, better than Southern Illinois," Wallace said. "And I'm not saying that just to sell tickets. They have the size to match us and they're harder to defend than Southern Illinois."
The Gaels have a 6-3 record, including road victories at California and at UNLV. Two of their losses were to nationally ranked Memphis and Mississippi State.
Daniel Kickert, a 6-foot-10 forward from Australia, is averaging 14.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Frederic Adjiwanou, a 6-8 forward from France, leads the team with 9.0 rebounds per game. Blake Sholberg, the starting center, is 7-1 and 260 pounds.
What's more, 6-3 guard Paul Marigney could play Saturday for the first time this season. He has missed the first nine games for academic reasons.
He led the team with 16.0 points per game last season, and was a first-team All-West Coast Conference selection.
Notes
Senior guard Jake Sottos sustained a neck injury at yesterday's practice. It did not appear serious, but he is scheduled to have it examined today.
Sophomore guard Matt Gibson was dismissed from practice early yesterday for disciplinary reasons. Wallace did not want to comment on Gibson's status.
Today is the last day to vote on the hawaiiathletics.com Web site for the color designation to wear for Saturday's game.
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.
