EL PASO, Texas » Hawaii doesn't have much margin for error in its pursuit of a bowl berth.

So the Warriors spent much of their week in Texas addressing the mistakes that cost them precious points in last week's painful loss at Utah State.

To that end, the Warriors devoted a sizable chunk of their practice at Parkland High School yesterday to executing in the red zone.

“;We should have had 40, 45 points last week. We moved the ball up and down the field,”; UH offensive coordinator Ron Lee said. “;So we spent a lot of time this week to tighten things up (in the red zone).”;

Hawaii went 1-for-5 in getting points out of their chances inside the 20-yard line last week, which proved costly in a 30-14 defeat that left the Warriors at 4-5 and 3-3 in Western Athletic Conference play entering tomorrow's game at New Mexico State (3-5, 1-3) in Las Cruces, N.M.

Prior to last week, UH was 19-for-22 in the red zone. The Warriors dropped from third to sixth in the league after the loss.

“;We always work on red zone,”; Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin said. “;But we've really looked at it offensively and they've really looked at what they're doing and analyzing what New Mexico State does inside the 20 and inside the 5, and I think we have a good package.”;

Hawaii moved the ball effectively between the 20s last week in rolling up 374 yards, but various lapses added up to missed opportunities that amplified the frustration of the loss.

Among those key moments was a Utah State goal-line stand that led to a blocked field goal and a fumble just 4 yards away from the end zone.

“;It comes down to little details,”; quarterback Greg Alexander said. “;Like the option, I have to come more downhill and attack that end, just little things like that.”;

As painful as it may have been, the Warriors reviewed last week's game in preparing for a pivotal conclusion to their two-game road trip with UH and NMSU needing three wins in their last four games to become bowl eligible.

“;I feel like our mind-set is different in the red zone,”; receiver Malcolm Lane said.

“;After watching film we were disappointed in ourselves and we understand what we did and we have to work harder when we get down to that area, because the other team, they're working harder. That's crunch time, that's when you turn up the heat.”;

The Warriors offense could get a boost with the return of sophomore Kealoha Pilares, the team's leading scorer.

Pilares practiced at receiver this week after starting at running back prior to suffering a sprained foot that kept him out of the last two games.

Pilares had been the team's top drive finisher prior to getting hurt, with five touchdowns.

“;Big difference,”; Lee said of Pilares' addition. “;He's always a threat.”;

McMackin said Pilares will primarily play slotback this week along with Aaron Bain and Mike Washington, with Daniel Libre remaining the starter at running back.

The Warriors will face a New Mexico State defense that ranks among the nation's best against the pass and near the bottom vs. the run.

The Aggies are third nationally and first in the WAC in pass defense at 145.4 yards per game, but are 114th in rushing defense at 230.2 ypg.