In a best-case scenario, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team could still finish as high as fifth place in the Western Athletic Conference.

In a worst case, the Rainbow Warriors could finish in last place in the nine-team WAC.

In short, there is still much to be decided in the final two weeks of the regular season for the 'Bows.

"You can look at all the options, and it's fun to do that sometimes," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "But the bottom line is we can't worry about all the other scenarios. We just have to focus on what we can do."

With three regular-season games remaining, Hawai'i is 13-13 overall and in sixth place in the WAC at 5-8.

The 'Bows are scheduled to depart Honolulu tonight for a crucial two-game road trip. They will play at first-place Utah State on Thursday, then at seventh-place San Jose State on Saturday.

The final standings will determine the seedings for the WAC Tournament, which is scheduled for March 10 to 14 at Reno, Nev.

"I've already looked at every scenario," junior forward Bill Amis said. "If we win all three of our games, we can be either No. 5 or 6. But we still have to handle our business on the court, or it doesn't mean anything."

Hawai'i is coming off a disappointing 76-70 home loss to UC Irvine in a non-conference game Saturday. The 'Bows said they need to forget that game and try to regain momentum going into the WAC Tournament.

"That was one of our worst losses of the year," Amis said. "But we've bounced back from losses before and so we'll just have to do it again."

It's not going to be easy.

For starters, Utah State has a 25-3 overall record, and is 12-1 in the WAC. The Aggies have won 32 consecutive home games, which is the second-longest such streak in the country (Kansas has won 39 straight at home).

What's more, Utah State could clinch the WAC regular-season championship with a victory Thursday.

"We know it's an uphill battle, but we're going there to try and win," Nash said. "We're not there for their celebration."

In truth, a more critical game for Hawai'i's seeding is against San Jose State on Saturday. The Spartans have a 4-8 WAC record, and already own a victory over the 'Bows this season.

"We're not looking ahead at anything," Nash said. "We have three games to play, and we want to use those three games to get us ready for the WAC Tournament."

Hawai'i's final regular-season game is scheduled for March 7 against New Mexico State at the Stan Sheriff Center.

INJURED BALOCKA WILL NOT TRAVEL WITH TEAM

Junior center Petras Balocka will not be on this week's road trip because of a groin injury.

Balocka, who was filling the role of sixth man prior to the injury, has sat out the last two games with the injury.

"We'd rather he stay back here and rehab and try to be healthy for the WAC Tournament," Nash said. "There's no sense taking him if he's just going to sit and watch."

Balocka is averaging 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

The 'Bows could also be without reserve guard Lasha Parghalava. He was dismissed from practice yesterday because "he wasn't ready to work hard," according to Nash.

"We ask guys to come to practice every day and work hard no matter what the situation," Nash said. "I'll talk it over with Lasha and see. He needs to show he's ready to work hard if he wants to be with us the rest of the way."

Parghalava was a starter earlier this season, but his playing time has diminished in recent weeks.

Sophomore point guard Hiram Thompson was limited during yesterday's practice due to a nagging hamstring injury, but he is expected to be ready for Thursday's game.

"We have a long road trip, so Coach wants me to get some rest and get my legs back," Thompson said.