The Rainbow Warriors will close the regular season by hosting Fresno State in a Western Athletic Conference game at the Stan Sheriff Center.

"We've been frustrated the last few games, but it can all change (tonight)," Sottos said. "If we can win this one, it gets us some momentum back and then we can take that into the (WAC) Tournament."

Hawai'i is looking to end a five-game losing streak and avenge a 79-78 loss at Fresno State earlier this season.

The 'Bows are 14-12 overall and tied for seventh place in the WAC at 6-11. The Bulldogs are 15-12 overall and tied for fourth in the conference at 9-8.

Hawai'i is relegated to a "play-in" game for next week's WAC Tournament, but its opponent has yet to be determined.

Win or lose, the three seniors will be honored after the game.

"As a whole, you won't find a better senior class," Wallace said. "They did whatever we asked of them and they're all going to graduate."

If there were team elections, Blackett would be voted class president, Sottos would be most popular, and Peciukas would be the most fun.

Blackett, a 6-foot-8 forward, is the respected leader of the class. At 25, he is a few years older than his teammates. He also has a wife, Lindsey, and is the only married player on the team.

"Jeff Blackett is near perfect," Wallace said. "I don't think he's ever said or done anything negative in his two years here."

Blackett transferred to Hawai'i from Salt Lake Community College (Utah). He was a reliable reserve last season, and has started 22 games this season despite a variety of nagging injuries.

"It's been everything I expected it to be, as far as meeting a bunch of great people and playing in a great atmosphere," Blackett said. "And the thing is, we have a team that can still win the (WAC) Tournament. That would be the best way to go out."

Sottos' senior season has been a testament to patience.

Put it this way: Sottos sat at the end of the bench for the entire game when Hawai'i lost at Fresno State on Dec. 29. Tonight, he is the starter at shooting guard and is one of the WAC's top 3-point shooters.

"You have to respect a kid who doesn't complain the whole time he's sitting and waiting," Wallace said. "And when he got his chance, he took advantage of it."

Sottos' 63 3-pointers this season is tied for the seventh best single-season total in UH history.

"I'm just thankful I got the opportunity," said Sottos, who transferred to Hawai'i from Southeastern Community College (Iowa).

Yet, it is his demeanor off the court that has made him a key member of the team.

"He's the kind of guy everybody likes," Wallace said. "You can just see how the other guys all get along with him."

Peciukas is also a popular player, in part because he always seems to have a smile on his face.

"Basketball-wise, I expected to play more," he said. "But college-wise, these were the best years I could have had."

The 6-7 forward is originally from Lithuania, and transferred to Hawai'i from Weatherford College (Texas). For the past three seasons, he has been a key contributor off the bench.

"These guys were all limited in what they could do on the court," Wallace said. "But they all filled their roles. They're not NBA-type players, but you can say they were all good college players."

Not surprisingly, the three have become best of friends.

"You always remember certain wins, but the friends I made — that's something I'm going to remember forever," Blackett said.

All three will take one final shot after tonight's game.

Blackett said he will bring his wife out with him. Sottos said half-jokingly that he might shoot a 3-pointer instead of dunking. Peciukas has been practicing a half-court shot, but said he may not be ready to try it tonight.

"It's been a fun time," Sottos said. "We got to make some friends we'll have forever, and we got to travel all around the country and play basketball."

Bulldogs not distracted by investigation

Fresno State arrived in Honolulu yesterday without senior Jack Marlow.

The reserve center is under investigation by Fresno State officials. Marlow may not have been granted a redshirt season at Oklahoma State in 2001-02, which would make him ineligible for this season.

"Jack's usually a part of our trips with the basketball team and we miss him," Fresno State head coach Ray Lopes said. "But this team has done a good job of handling that."

Marlow played in Fresno State's victory over Hawai'i earlier this season. However, one WAC official said the investigation is not expected to change the seedings for the WAC Tournament.

The Bulldogs beat Hawai'i, 79-78, in the WAC opener for both teams on Dec. 29.

"I think we're a better team right now than we were then, even though we haven't been playing well," Lopes said. "We've grown up a little more."

The Bulldogs start three freshmen and a sophomore, and three other freshmen play significant reserve roles.

"They've got a lot of firepower with all those young guys," Wallace said. "They'll cause us a lot of problems."