UH wants to build on homecourt advantage

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

After winning its first game under first-year head coach Jim Bolla last month, the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team has another goal: defend its home turf.

Bolla

With its next six games at home, the Rainbow Wahine, who are 1-2 at home this season, have room for improvement, starting with the three-team Waikiki Beach Marriott Invitational tonight.

Hawai'i (1-2) plays Southeast Missouri State (4-1) tonight and Brigham Young (4-1) on Saturday. BYU plays Southeast Missouri State tomorrow.

"I told our kids our goal was to not let anyone come here and beat us at home, no matter who it is," said Bolla, whose team plays its first game since defeating California, 70-68, on Nov. 28. "It's important that we get off to a good start."

In the past 10 seasons, Hawai'i's preseason home tournaments have served as a barometer for the rest of the season. Hawai'i's last eight winning seasons have started with winning records in preseason home tournaments.

"There's no question that we believe we can win at home," senior co-captain Milia Macfarlane said. "We need a good jump start, especially to start the season. If we can get that going, it's going to be a big boost to our confidence as a team."

Meanwhile, the roster has turned into a M*A*S*H unit. At least five players have had some type of illness or injury, with the worst being guard Shannon Nishi, who is out with viral meningitis, Bolla said.

Yesterday, backup center Alofa Toiaivao underwent an MRI on her sore knee, but she is expected to play.

Bolla said he was undecided on a starting lineup before yesterday's practice, but he expected a high-scoring game against Southeast Missouri State. The Otahkians (the name comes from Otahki, a Cherokee Indian who died in the 1838-1839 winter on a legendary march from the Appalachian Mountains to Oklahoma) average 84.2 points per game, compared to Hawai'i's 61.

"On paper, we're real similar," Bolla said. "They like to push the ball and pressure. It's kind of what we want to do. We'll see if we can match up with them."

Abele said the Rainbow Wahine are expecting a tough, pressing defense from the Otahkians, who have won four straight games and average 14.4 steals per game.

"They're quick and athletic," Abele said. "They're actually quite a tall team on paper. On offense, if they press us, we'll be going for the fast break."

The Otahkians have 11 newcomers this season, including starting center Tatiana Conceicao (21.2 points per game) and forward Natalie Purcell (14.2). Guard Brandi Russia (11.4), forward Chandra Brown (8.2 points, 7.8 rebounds per game) and guard Wanika Owsley (4.2 points) round out the starting lineup.

Southeast Missouri State coach B.J. Smith said his team is a work in progress, but that hasn't zapped his sense of humor. Asked what his team's strength was, the third-year Smith replied: "Coaching is our strength."

"Right now we're a long way from what we'll be in January," said Smith, whose team arrived on Tuesday night after a 12- to 14-hour journey from Cape Girardeau, Mo. "I don't know what our strength is — other than I'm pretty funny and our sports information office is pretty good."

As for Brigham Young, the Cougars have four players scoring in double figures and are led by reserve Abrosia Anderson's 14 points per game. Their only loss came to former No. 24 Arizona, 76-73, in Provo on Nov. 27.

"We need to be ready," Bolla said. "This team that we're playing (today) they could beat us by 50 if we're not ready to play. The same thing with BYU, they could beat you pretty bad."

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2458.