"We keep winning, but there's some ugly things in there every game," he said. "We're not to the point where we can just go out and everything is smooth. But we're finding ways to win, that's the main thing."

Hawai'i's latest win was a workman-like 84-77 victory over Saint Mary's on Saturday. The 'Bows reached season-highs for points, field-goal percentage (62.5) and assists (21).

However, they went 0 for 4 from 3-point range, shot just 58.3 percent from the free-throw line, and committed 17 turnovers.

"As long as we keep working, we're going to progress," Wallace said. "Some of our new guys still don't have that focus of what it really takes at this level."

In any case, the 'Bows are one of 19 NCAA Division I teams still undefeated this season.

It is also one of the best starts in school history, even though the 'Bows are not blowing away the competition. Hawai'i's five victories have come by an average margin of 6.0 points per game.

"We're where we think we should be," junior Julian Sensley said. "We still have a lot of work to do, but once everybody gets on the same page, it's going to be ugly for the opponents."

The last time a Hawai'i team started 5-0 was during the 1997-98 season, when Anthony Carter was the star player.

Sensley has become the go-to player so far this season. The 6-foot-9 forward leads the team in scoring (16.2 points per game), rebounding (7.8) and assists (3.4). He is also averaging a near-maximum 39.0 minutes per game.

Against Saint Mary's, Sensley scored a season-high 23 points while playing the entire 40 minutes.

"He's the Rainbow Warrior," Wallace said. "He's got to go those minutes because he does so many things to make us better."

Wallace cited Sensley's passing skills as one of the keys to Saturday's victory.

"Julian is a great passer and it gets contagious because the rest of the guys want to make a good pass, too," Wallace said. "That's what you call a silent leader because he does it by example."

Wallace also noted that non-conference opponents are not fully prepared for Hawai'i's flex-motion offense, making it easier for the 'Bows to run their plays.

"You talk to any coach around and they'll say we're hard to prepare for because we run a lot of offense," he said.

Saint Mary's head coach Randy Bennett said of Hawai'i: "They're a really good passing team, and Sensley makes them go."

But Sensley is not the only one. The 'Bows are also relying on depth — nine players are averaging more than 11 minutes per game this season.

"We have a lot of smart guys on this team, basketball-wise," Sensley said. "Everybody has a good basketball IQ, and just about everybody can play more than one position."

Wallace said the true test will come during the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic, Dec. 20 to 23.

The 'Bows will open against a struggling Long Beach State team that has a record of 1-5. Other teams in the field are Georgetown, Oral Roberts, Alabama-Birmingham, Clemson, USC and Indiana State.

"The Rainbow Classic will tell you because there are some big bodies that are going to be in that," Wallace said. "Everything steps up during the Rainbow."

Three injured 'Bows all cleared to practice

Three Hawai'i players left Saturday's game with injuries, but all three are expected to return to practice tomorrow.

Senior forward Jeff Blackett appeared to have the most serious injury when he took a knee to the head late in the game. He never lost consciousness, and was diagnosed with a grade-1 concussion, which is considered the least severe form of a concussion.

He was cleared by the UH medical staff and returned to the game.

Also, starting guards Bobby Nash and Deonte Tatum left in the second half because of cramping in their legs. Both were fine after the game.