Today's game between the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team and San Jose State appears to be as unpredictable as the recent weather.

The Rainbow Warriors and Spartans have both battled injuries that led to inconsistent play during the first two weeks of the Western Athletic Conference season.

Hawai'i is 9-7 overall and 1-3 in the WAC. San Jose State is 7-8 and 1-3.

"We just need to come out and play hard; protect our house," Hawai'i junior Roderick Flemings said. "This is a big game right here. We need this one to get back in it."

The 'Bows lost two WAC games last week during a forgettable road trip to the state of Idaho.

Flemings scored 33 points in those two games, and was the only Hawai'i player to score in double-figures in both games.

"I'm just trying to be a good teammate, encouraging all the guys to keep playing hard," he said. "I'm getting double-teamed a lot, but I like to pass. I know other guys will step up."

In Hawai'i's four WAC games, Flemings is averaging 16.8 points per game. No other 'Bow is averaging more than 8.5.

The 'Bows have had a full week to work on their offensive inconsistencies and prepare for the Spartans.

"Hopefully we solved all our problems," Hawai'i forward Bill Amis said. "We worked the whole week on our zone offense, so it should help us."

It should also help to have point guard Hiram Thompson back. He missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Thompson is expected to share time at point guard with fellow sophomore Kareem Nitoto, regardless of who starts.

San Jose State's lineup is even more of a mystery.

The Spartans' two leading scorers — shooting guard Adrian Oliver and small forward Tim Pierce — are considered game-time decisions.

Oliver, who averages 16.7 points per game, sat out the last two games with a knee injury. Pierce, who averages 15.9 points per game, also missed the last two games due to an ankle injury.

"We don't want to play either one of those guys until they're 100 percent," San Jose State head coach George Nessman said. "There's so much season left. We don't want to push them."

The Spartans went 1-1 without Oliver and Pierce, defeating Fresno State, then losing a non-conference game at Cal State Bakersfield.

"Not having those guys really hurts our depth and our perimeter game," Nessman said. "You take the top two scorers off any team and how does that affect you? A lot."

The 'Bows are preparing as if the Spartans will be at full strength.

"Pierce and Oliver are two great shooters," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "We put them on our scouting report because we have to get ready for their best."

The only problem for Hawai'i this week has been an inability to practice in the Stan Sheriff Center. Due to UH volleyball matches, the 'Bows had to practice in either Gym II or Klum Gym during the week.

"That's frustrating right there," Flemings said. "You should be able to shoot in your own gym. But it's OK. We still know it's our house."

NOTES

Yesterday's weather did not affect either team's practice or travel plans.

Former University of Hawai'i men's basketball and track athlete Ed Gayagas will be awarded with the Kane Fernandez Community Service Award during tonight's game. The award is presented annually to a past UH athlete who has volunteered services in the community. Gayagas, who played at UH from 1957-60, is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army. He is president of the UH-ROTC Alumni Association, and a former executive director for the Na Koa Football Club. He is also on the board of directors for the UH Letterwinners Club.