In search of answers, it's best to ask the player nicknamed "Google" to explain the turnaround of her University of Hawai'i women's basketball team.

After a rough start, the Rainbow Wahine are now the hottest team in the Western Athletic Conference with seven wins in a row, and senior center Brittany "Google" Grice knows why.

"I think it's as simple as us playing together," said co-captain Grice, who was given the nickname of the popular search engine by athletic trainer Jayson Goo and former player Callie Spooner (2003-'06) for her vast knowledge. "We're being patient with our offense, finding the open person and playing team defense."

Grice and the Rainbow Wahine (14-12 overall, 8-6 WAC) finish the regular season on the road today at Idaho (5-20, 2-12) and Saturday at Boise State (19-8, 10-4). They will then travel to the WAC Tournament, March 6 to 10, at Las Cruces, N.M.

The fourth-place 'Bows have an opportunity to ascend as high as a tie for second in the nine-team WAC, and will finish no lower than sixth. That's not too shabby for a team that started 0-4 in the conference, shared the WAC basement Jan. 25, and lost head coach Jim Bolla midway through the season after he underwent lung surgery.

"It's tough to win on the road, but they proved they can do that," said Hawai'i acting head coach Pat Charity, who has gone 5-0 in Bolla's absence, including wins at New Mexico State and Louisiana Tech last month. "I thought we played at two of the toughest places to play at Louisiana Tech and at New Mexico State. Boise is not an easy place to play. And Idaho, on any given night, anyone can beat anyone."

Hawai'i has beaten every team in the WAC this season except Boise State. The Broncos defeated the host Rainbow Wahine, 62-53, on Jan. 20.

"Idaho and Boise State are both hard-working teams," Grice said. "They are dangerous."

Meanwhile, Hawai'i has gone winless in the WAC Tournament in the past three seasons. The 'Bows need to win three games in the WAC Tournament to earn the automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

"I think we have as good of a shot as anybody," Grice said. "We really weathered a lot of storms this season. We're resilient. I think we have the toughness. ... I think our mentality has shifted. We want it more. We're a little more fired up, and a little more aggressive in our games and mindset."

Grice is recovering from a herniated disc in her back that forced her to miss Hawai'i's 70-49 victory over visiting San Francisco Dec. 29. She has taken two cortisone injections in the injured area, and wears a back brace in practices and games.

More important, Hawai'i is 7-0 since Grice returned to the starting lineup Jan. 29.

"The pain has subsided, to some extent," said Grice, who is averaging 10.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game during the streak. "I feel close to my old self."

Hawai'i is projected to start guards Janevia Taylor (11.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.5 apg) and Amy Kotani (2.3 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.2 apg), forwards Tanya Smith (10.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.0 apg) and Pam Tambini (13.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.4 apg), and Grice.

Idaho is expected to counter with guards Charlotte Otero (4.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.5 apg), Liz Witte (10.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and Lindsey Koppen (6.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg), forward Sara Dennehy (11.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and center Katie Madison (19.1 ppg, 8.8 rpg).

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.