UH takes on
woeful Wolf Pack
There are few things as threatening as a pack of wolves. But this year's Nevada Wolf Pack women's basketball team doesn't have much of a bark or bite.
Wahine basketball
Who: Nevada at Hawaii
When: Tomorrow, 7 p.m.
Where: Stan Sheriff Center
TV: Live, KFVE (Ch. 5)
Radio: None
It has been a tough first year for coach Kim Gervasoni, who has won only three games this season. Nevada's last victory (Fresno State) was at the end of January. The Wolf Pack (3-23, 2-14 Western Athletic Conference) have lost their last eight and are in last place in the conference.
Nevada shouldn't pose much of a threat to Hawaii, which concludes the WAC regular season at home this week. The Rainbow Wahine (7-18, 5-11) would like to close out the careers of senior April Atuaia and UH coach Vince Goo with two wins. Tipoff against the Wolf Pack is tomorrow at 7 p.m.
Unfortunately for Hawaii, nothing has been easy this season. Of Nevada's three wins this season, one came against the Wahine during their first road trip of the season. The pain of that game isn't easily forgotten. The Wahine have been salivating for this opportunity to avenge that loss.
"Oh for sure we've been waiting for them since the second game of the (WAC) season," said junior Jade Abele.
Atuaia agreed.
"It's our last two games before going into the WAC (tournament). Especially coming off that Rice game, it was a big boost to our confidence knowing that we can play if we really want to," Atuaia said. "We're at a higher level than we were before. ... We've improved a lot since the beginning of the WAC.
"They've changed a lot of things since the first time we met them. Obviously, we have, too, with what we were running. It will be a different game. We didn't play to the best of our ability when we were at Nevada. I don't think we overlooked them. I think it was just us. I'm looking forward to the rematch on Thursday."
The Wahine might not be so excited to see the Wolf Pack again, especially if Nevada shoots as well as it did last time. Nevada hit 51.4 percent from the field in the first half and led by 20 points at intermission. The Wolf Pack buried nine 3-pointers in the game and held on for the win after Hawaii rallied in the second half.
"I don't know what's wrong with their record, but I know they handled us pretty good the first time," Goo said. "They led by 20 points at the half. They took it to us.
"They're quick with the ball. They're good shooters."
Nevada ranks in the bottom of most WAC statistical categories, but its shooting has saved it somewhat this season. The Wolf Pack are first in free-throw percentage (.783), third in 3-point field goals (4.81 per game) and fifth in field-goal percentage (.372). April Bankston leads Nevada with 10.7 points per game. Sophomore Jocelyn Mancebo is third in the WAC in 3-pointers, connecting on 44 of them this season.
But Nevada's defense has been suspect, ranking last in field-goal defense and scoring defense. And the Wolf Pack don't have much of a bench due to only eight players on their active roster.
Notes: Sophomore Callie Spooner sat out yesterday's practice with a stomach virus. The center went to the hospital on Monday for IV fluids after suffering dehydration from massive vomiting. ... Saturday's game against Fresno State is senior night for Atuaia. It will also be the last home game for Goo, who is retiring at the end of the season. ... The Wahine coach will be throwing out the first pitch on Friday in the First Hawaii Title Rainbow Baseball Tournament. ... Former alumni who played for Goo can attend UH's game against Fresno State for free. Call 956-4325 for information.
