Sheriff Center off limits for now
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
Even at home, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team is being left out in the cold.
Because of the ongoing UH men's volleyball tournament, the Rainbow Warriors will not get to practice in the Stan Sheriff Center this week in preparation for Saturday's Western Athletic Conference game against San Jose State.
The 'Bows last practiced on the Sheriff Center court on Dec. 26, a day before they embarked on a weeklong road trip. The next time they see it will be a few hours before Saturday's game.
"If nobody were coming out to watch volleyball, then I'd be bothered by it," Hawai'i head coach Riley Wallace said. "But volleyball makes money for the (athletic) department, so it's good for everybody."
The 'Bows will practice this week in practice Gym 1, and Wallace said it is probably for the better. Gym 1 has two full-length courts, while the Sheriff Center has just one.
"There are more baskets to work with in here, so we can get more done," Wallace said.
Hawai'i junior forward Julian Sensley said the home-court advantage will still be in place. The 'Bows have won 59 of their past 64 games in the Sheriff Center, including 11 in a row dating to last season.
"We've been practicing there the whole year, so it's not like we'll be going into something new," Sensley said. "Plus, we'll have the fans supporting us, so that'll help us get the feeling back."
But sophomore guard "Little Matt" Gibson said he would have preferred at least one day in the arena this week.
"The floors have more bounce, the rims have more give, the background is different," he said. "As a shooter, there are a lot of little things you focus on to help you in your home gym, so I personally like to practice more in the arena than in (Gym 1)."
San Jose State arrived in Hono-lulu last night, but the Spartans will also not be allowed into the arena until Saturday.
'Bows and Spartans are winless in WAC
There are only three teams with 0-2 records in the WAC, and Hawai'i and San Jose State are among them (Tulsa is the other).
"We need this one," Wallace said. "We can't afford to lose any at home, and if we want to start getting some momentum, it starts with this one."
Hawai'i started the season 8-0, but dropped conference games at Fresno State and Nevada last week by a combined four points.
"We didn't play bad on the road; we fought hard but we just couldn't come up with the W," Gibson said. "So we're still a confident team. It'll only help us to be back at home."
The Spartans are 3-8 and on an eight-game losing streak. Like Hawai'i, San Jose State opened WAC play by losing at Fresno State and Nevada.
The Spartans feature one of the WAC's top players in 6-7 senior forward Marquin Chandler. He is averaging 20.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
NOTES
Hawai'i starting forward Jeff Blackett has missed the past two days of practice because of a skin infection on his chest area. He is expected to return to practice either today or tomorrow and is expected to play on Saturday.
Saturday's game is "Military Night," and all military personnel with proper identification — including retirees and Department of Defense civilians — will receive two tickets for the price of one.
UH cheerleaders will be collecting donations for the Red Cross Tsunami Relief Fund on Saturday near Gate A.
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.
