Even after a long night of travel to get to cold Moscow, Idaho, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team was able to warm up enough for a quality practice yesterday.

"It was surprisingly spirited," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said of his team's preparation for today's conference game at Idaho. "The guys didn't seem tired at all after such a long way to get here. Hopefully, that's a good sign for (today)."

The Rainbow Warriors are 9-5 overall and 1-1 in the Western Athletic Conference. The Vandals are 7-8 and 1-1.

Today's game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. (Hawai'i time) in Cowan Spectrum. It will be broadcast live via radio on ESPN 1420 AM.

The 'Bows started the trip by boarding a bus at the Stan Sheriff Center at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday night. They arrived in Moscow at 2:30 p.m. yesterday, and were greeted by temperatures in the 30s.

"It's not an easy place to get to, but everything went fine," Nash said.

Immediately after checking-in at the hotel, the 'Bows had to get changed for practice.

"The guys didn't have time to rest, but they still had a lot of energy," Nash said. "Now they can get a good night's sleep and be ready for (today)."

Starting point guard Hiram Thompson did not practice because of a hamstring injury, and he is doubtful for today's game.

But key reserves Lasha Parghalava (back) and Petras Balocka (groin) were able to practice, and should be able to contribute today.

The 'Bows could use the help against an Idaho team that is much improved under first-year head coach Don Verlin.

Last week, the Vandals got a big upset victory at Nevada, then stayed close at Utah State before falling by nine. Nevada and Utah State are considered the top two teams in the WAC.

The Vandals are 5-1 in Cowan Spectrum this season, while the 'Bows are 0-1 on the road.

Idaho is led by Mac Hopson, a 6-foot-2 junior point guard who is in his first season with the Vandals after transferring from Washington State. He is averaging 16.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, and leads the WAC with 6.0 assists per game.

"He makes them go," Nash said. "He's a consummate team player who gives them what ever they need. If they need him to score, he'll score. If they need him to set up the offense, he'll do that. We obviously have to do a good job containing him."

The Vandals will have an equally difficult task of containing Hawai'i junior Roderick Flemings. The 6-7 guard/forward leads the WAC in scoring with 17.9 points per game.

"Teams are doubling Rod, and that's good because he's a good passer," Nash said. "We just have to make sure that other guys are ready to step up and make shots when Rod is doubled."