Rainbows' post men need to deliver UH looks for more production from its inside players vs. SMU
By Cindy Luis
Star-BulletinThe measure of a team is how it rebounds from a loss. If yesterday's practice was an indication, the No. 24 University of Hawaii basketball team has put the fun back into its game.
The Rainbows aren't forgetting about Saturday's Western Athletic Conference loss to host San Diego State. Instead, they're focusing on playing 'Bowball' tomorrow night against Southern Methodist.
Translation? Get the transition game going and get everyone involved in the offense, especially big men Mike Robinson, Eric Ambrozich and Erin Galloway.
"I feel good about where we are right now," said the 6-foot-8 Robinson, who went scoreless in 12 foul-plagued minutes against the Aztecs. "For me, I know I have got to work harder and get more focused. And our team's got to run its offense."
Coach Riley Wallace has been trying different lineup combinations this week in hopes of waking up his post players. He might have to scrap his plan to bring Robinson in off the bench as Ambrozich reinjured his shoulder in Wednesday's practice.
Ambrozich, the team's leading rebounder, sat out yesterday's practice, but the 6-8 senior said he expected to be back today. Hawaii will need a strong outing on the boards against an SMU team that outrebounded San Diego State, 39-26, in last night's 80-78 victory.
"SMU's a well-rounded ballclub," Wallace said. "They didn't get their record (12-2) by just showing up. They've got a good big man (6-10 junior center Jay Poerner) and good 3-point shooters throughout the team. They're aggressive and they play hard.
"The key is to protect your home court. You have got to win at home. Our big guys know what they need to do."
Ales Zivanovic, a 6-10 senior, and 7-foot junior Bryan Moeller have been getting more time in the rotation. Wallace said his decision regarding a starting unit will depend on Ambrozich's status today.
On the defensive end, the Rainbows are concerned with Mustang guards Jeryl Sasser, a 6-6 freshman, and 6-foot sophomore Stephen Woods. Each scored 25 points last night against the Aztecs. Woods was 5-for-7 from 3-point range.
Rainbow basketball
Tomorrow: Southern Methodist (12-2, 2-1) at No. 24 Hawaii (11-2, 0-1), 7:37 p.m.
