'Tis the season for some Christmas payback.

Two hot teams collide tomorrow at the Stan Sheriff Center when Hawaii hosts UC Riverside at 7:05 p.m.

The Rainbow Warriors (5-3) and Highlanders (7-2) of the Big West Conference have regrouped from season-opening losses to win five of six and seven of eight, respectively.

Hawaii traveled to Riverside last year as part of ESPN's annual BracketBusters event and was soundly dusted by the rowdy host, 79-62.

The returning Rainbow players remember the raucous show UCR put on in the lopsided loss, and would like nothing more than to reciprocate the gift in the return game. Hawaii has won five straight games at home, tied for the best mark in coach Bob Nash's tenure.

“;It was a big game for them, had everybody out supporting them,”; said junior small forward Adhar Mayen. “;They were real hyped up. Nice atmosphere, the gym was packed.”;

UCR's Larry Cunningham went off for 31 points, and it didn't help that Matt Gibson, the 'Bows' starting point guard and leading scorer, was out with a knee injury. Mayen thinks the outcome will change this time with a more physical demeanor.

“;The difference is us jelling together and just knowing how to play now,”; Mayen said. “;We're playing real good right now ... as a team, and rebounding. Cutting down the turnovers.”;

Hawaii's averaged just 10.5 giveaways in recent wins over Eastern Washington and Chicago State, compared to nearly 20 per game before that.

Riverside and its coach, Jim Wooldridge, are known for applying stifling on-ball defense on the perimeter. Maintaining the recent offensive efficiency will be key for Hawaii.

The 'Bows have had a season-high eight-day layoff to prepare for UCR and work on final exams, so Nash has prepared a no-excuses mentality.

“;They're physical, they're well-coached, they know what they want to try to do,”; Nash said. “;We know what we want to try to do (in the flex offense)—it's just gonna get down to whose will is stronger. The will to run our offense, or are you going to succumb to their pressure?”;

Both teams have talented 6-foot-7 junior college transfers to show off. Kyle Austin recently gained eligibility with UCR and has averaged 19 points in wins over Loyola Marymount and Montana.

Reigning Western Athletic Conference player of the week Roderick Flemings has lived up to his considerable hype despite being hampered by a nagging ankle sprain. He's averaging 19.5 points per game (best in the WAC) on over 53 percent shooting, and is fifth-best in rebounds at 7.5.

He chalked up his 37-point outburst against EWU to improved floor spacing in addition to some solo work in the gym.

“;Been working on my shot a lot, on my own,”; Flemings said. “;Just taking more shots and making more shots. Compliments of my teammates, getting me open.”;

Resting up

Forwards Bill Amis, Ji Xiang and Adam Jespersen sat out practice yesterday to rest ailments. Amis, a starter averaging 11.4 points and eight rebounds per game, hurt his knee but was confident he'd return to practice today.