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H A W A I I _ S P O R T S
Notebook
Saturday, January 29, 2000
How does San Jose State, Hawaii's opponent tonight at the Stan Sheriff Center, manage to stay near the top of the NCAA in defense? RAINBOW BASKETBALL
Spartan defense
The answer is simple, according to Spartans head coach Steve Barnes.
"You go to put up a shot and we put a hand in your face," said Barnes, whose team is No. 2 in NCAA scoring defense, allowing 55.7 points a game.
"We're not a pressing, trapping defense. It sounds so simple, I know, but we just play good, sound, fundamental position and keep you shooting from outside."
Puida has the range
Riley Wallace said junior small forward Nerijus Puida, who nailed about nine long-range shots in a row in practice yesterday, always has the green light to shoot but is a bit too unselfish.He said some of the new offense recently installed will give Puida better looks. He is a 56 percent shooter from the field but has taken only 75 shots all season.
Puida leads the team in assists with 90 in 18 games.
Fields slammin'
A big surprise in practice was junior 7-footer Todd Fields' five slam dunks. He ended practice with a one-handed reverse slam.It was the first time any of those in attendance had seen Fields get over the rim, and he did it with authority.
Fields, who had been wincing with pain every time he made a move for the hoop, seems to be finally overcoming the tendinitis that has limited his mobility since he came to Hawaii.
"I'm starting to get more strength, mobility, flexibility," he said. "My legs are not there yet but it's good to get off the ground."
RealAudio: Click here for live 'Net broadcast of game.
By Pat Bigold, Star-Bulletin