UH hopes to break through against LaTech

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	WHO: No. 12 Louisiana Tech (11-2, 4-1) vs. Hawai'i (4-9, 2-2) WHEN: Today, 7 p.m. WHERE: Stan Sheriff Center TV/RADIO: Live on KFVE (Channel 5)/KKEA 1420 TICKETS: $7 adults, $6 senior citizens, free for children ages 4-18 and UH students with valid ID. PARKING: $3

"I'll treat them by taking them to El Paso, Texas, and Boise, Idaho, next week," Goo said of his tongue-in-cheek offer. "I'm not sure many of them would like to pull off that upset if that's the case."

As Hawai'i players see it, the chance to play the Western Athletic Conference leaders is considered a treat in itself.

The Lady Techsters are the defending WAC champions and are whipping teams by an average score of 22.8 points per game. They lead the conference in several categories, including points (84.5), rebounds (44.2) and forced turnovers (25.2) per game.

"I know a lot of us are looking at this game as an opportunity to play a top team," UH guard Milia Macfarlane said. "We're excited."

The Rainbow Wahine (4-9 overall, 2-2 WAC) have never beaten the Lady Techsters (11-2, 4-1) in 11 games, but they have come close, losing 53-50 in the WAC championship in 2002.

"That shows if you go out and you execute your offense and play smart defense, when it comes down to the end of the game, you have a chance to win," Goo said. "That's what we need to do."

Goo described the Lady Techsters as athletic, quick and "probably the most potent offensive team we'll see all year." Louisiana Tech is led by preseason Player of the Year Trina Frierson (17.2 points per game) and frontcourt teammate Amisha Carter (15.6 points, 10.4 rebounds per game).

This week, Goo has emphasized his team philosophy, which is "you never lose until you stop trying." Macfarlane said she's taken that mantra to heart.

"He's made that a big point," Macfarlane said. "This week has probably been one of the best weeks of practice that we've had. Everybody is right on the same page. We're a little more focused."

Added Hawai'i point guard Janevia Taylor: "When we do have our focus, we're a pretty good team to me. But like everybody says, 'You have to show it.' So we're going to try to show it against Louisiana Tech."

Taylor said Hawai'i has adopted an attitude of never being satisfied. In its last game Thursday, Hawai'i knocked Southern Methodist out of first place with a 67-50 victory.

"Right now, we don't have a winning record, but our minds are saying, 'Win,' " Taylor said. "We're trying to play harder defense and do what the coaches tell us. It's all about us. It's what we do that makes us win or lose right now."

Macfarlane said she hoped Hawai'i could overcome its lack of experience against Louisiana Tech. Hawai'i has six freshmen on its 13-player active roster.

"Our girls are so talented and they're so feisty," Macfarlane said. "Knowing that we've come so close, we'll work well together and we'll continue to get better as we go along."

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