What started with hoops will surely end with hoopla for this party of five.

After their final home basketball game tonight, University of Hawai'i seniors Cassidy Chretien, Brittany Grice, Amber Lee, Pam Tambini and Janevia Taylor will celebrate at the Stan Sheriff Center.

"We've become like family," Grice said. "It's incredible. I don't know any other situation besides athletics where you can find a group of people this different and make them such close friends."

The 'Bows are riding a season-best six game winning streak and host Western Athletic Conference foe San Jose State tonight. Grice said she hoped tonight's outcome would be different than the Jan. 25 meeting when the Spartans won, 57-56, at San Jose.

"You want to go out with a win on your senior night," said Grice, who is a 6-foot-4 center. "I want it to be a good night. I hope the last mark we leave on the Stan Sheriff Center is a positive one."

Grice said her mother, Dianne, is scheduled to attend tonight's game. Dianne has battled cancer and is a "very strong fighter," Grice said.

"My mom has been my inspiration my entire career," said Grice, whose "53" jersey is a tribute to her mom's 1953 birthdate. "She was sick when I first came on to campus. I remember that first week. I went up to (former assistant coach Serenda Valdez) and said, 'I don't know if I should be here.'

"I just tried to honor my mother by working hard, and by coming prepared to practice to the best of my ability," Grice added. "She and my dad (Paul) have been my biggest fans."

Grice said she plans to graduate in the spring with a degree in political science and a minor in women's studies. She is slated to attend law school at Notre Dame next year and wants to explore politics, diplomacy or foreign affairs.

"I've always done the student government thing," Grice said. "Hopefully, I kind of have a knack for it."

Both Grice and fellow co-captain Tambini have overcome injuries. Grice is recovering from a herniated disc in her back, and Tambini, a 5-foot-10 forward, struggled in previous years with stress fractures in her feet.

Now that she's healthy, Tambini leads the 'Bows in scoring (13.1 points per game) and ranks second in rebounds (6.7 rpg) and assists (2.4 apg). She is the reigning WAC Player of the Week, her first such honor in her career.

"It's been hard for me because I've always been injured," Tambini said. "I've never had a chance to prove myself. I finally feel that I'm out there, and people can see me."

Tambini said she plans to graduate next spring with a degree in psychology and an emphasis in pre-medicine.

"I always wanted to be involved with people and be a doctor," she said.

Like Tambini, Lee has shown great determination. Lee may not lead the team in minutes, but she's among the leaders in perseverance.

"I was brought up to be grateful for what you get," Lee said. "I have an opportunity of a lifetime to play Division I basketball. I try to contribute in any way that I can."

Lee has played an increased role lately, playing in 15 of the last 16 games.

In her career, the 6-foot-1 Lee has been labeled a "tweener" which is basketball parlance for someone too big to play guard and too small to play the post. Lee said she makes the best of it.

"If I was born on the Mainland, I would be brought up as a guard," Lee said. "Being born in Hawai'i, I'm the tallest person. I'm naturally a post, and I need to take advantage of my speed and quickness, and run up the floor."

Lee is scheduled to graduate in the winter with a degree in marketing and family resources.

As for Chretien, her unwavering faith has helped her blossom as an exciting playmaker.

The speedy 5-foot-5 guard from Lake Charles, La., has enjoyed her best performances in the last month, sinking the game-winning free throws in Hawai'i's first-ever victory at Louisiana Tech on Feb. 10, and recording a career-high 15 points and seven assists in a victory against Fresno State on Feb. 15.

"Prayer works," Chretien said. "I have faith in God and he always comes through for me."

Earlier in the season, Chretien admitted she worried too much on the court. Now, there's no worries.

"I was worried about playing well and not messing up," Chretien said. "I wanted people to respect my game, and by doing that, I would mess myself up. Once I relaxed, my game started to come out."

Chretien said she plans to graduate in the winter with a degree in American Studies, and would like to coach boys high school basketball someday.

"In my first job, I was a basketball coach for Parks and Recreation in Lake Charles," Chretien said. "I coached high school boys. I love the way they play, I like their energy. They never talked back to me, and they always listened. I think I was a pretty good coach."

Finally, for Taylor, a lot has changed this season. She has played both guard positions, and has sacrificed her playing time without complaint so others could gain experience.

"I learned it's not about how many minutes you play, or how many points you score," Taylor said. "It's whatever is best for the team. Normally, that would faze some people. But for me, I look at it as an opportunity to help our younger teammates develop their skills."

Taylor is one of just 15 players in school history to score 1,000 points. She also ranks in the top 10 in eight career categories, including scoring, three-pointers, assists and steals.

Taylor, who plans to graduate in the summer with a degree in ethnic studies, said she wants to pursue professional basketball, and would like to open a clothing business someday.

Hawai'i head coach Jim Bolla this week praised his five seniors and credited them for helping get the 'Bows back on the winning track.

"I want them to have a successful senior year," Bolla said. "They're a great group of kids, they're great students, and they work really hard. I'm proud to be their coach."

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.