Hawaii team no strangers to UNLV

Steve Carp

Monday, March 2, 1998 | 4:06 a.m.

If there's one team Bill Bayno doesn't need a primer on, it's his first-round opponent in the 1998 WAC basketball tournament.

When it comes to Hawaii, the UNLV coach knows all he needs -- and wants -- to know.

After three nail-biting contests last year (the Rainbows won the first two only to have the Rebels capture an NIT second-round game), the teams are familiar with each other -- even with UNLV moving to the Mountain Division this year.

It may be the most intriguing of the four opening-round matchups on Tuesday. In addition to UNLV-Hawaii, Tulsa faces Brigham Young at noon, Colorado State and Southern Methodist meet at 2:30 p.m. and Wyoming faces San Diego State at 6.

The UNLV-Hawaii winner plays Utah in Thursday's 9 p.m. quarterfinal. It's a huge game with postseason implications for both teams.

Hawaii appeared to be on the verge of dropping out of the NCAA Tournament hunt. But after reeling off five straight wins, the 19-7 Rainbows are back on the NCAA bubble.

The 16-12 Rebels can all but clinch a spot in the NIT by winning Tuesday. UNLV has won six of its last eight.

"They're playing their best ball and we're playing our best ball," Bayno said. "In these last three weeks, we've been able to settle into our roles."

The recent development of transfers Kevin Simmons and Brian Keefe has overcome the deletions of Keon Clark (suspended) and Corky Ausborne (quit the team). Keefe finally has found the range on his jump shot and Simmons has his legs under him.

"We've got to take advantage of the matchup inside and put pressure on their guards," Simmons said. "They have a great backcourt in (Anthony) Carter and (Alika) Smith. You have to shut them down if you're going to have a chance to win."

True, Bayno said. But he's impressed with returning forwards Micah Kroeger and Michael Robinson as well as JC transfer Erin Galloway.

"I don't think they're much different than before," Bayno said. "They've improved a lot since last year."

But wouldn't Bayno have liked a first-hand look at his opponent before Tuesday?

"Why would I want to make my schedule tougher than it already is?" he said.

"I don't think there are any secrets when you play Hawaii. They're a very talented team with great guards and guys up front who are capable of hurting you. We got a tough, tough draw."

Other first-rounders

* BRIGHAM YOUNG VS. TULSA: The 9-20 Cougars had to win three of their last four and go to triple overtime Saturday to beat UTEP to get here. But they're here, they're hot and that makes Steve Cleveland's team dangerous. Throw in that BYU beat Tulsa this year in Provo and it adds to the upset possibilities. By now, most know about the Cougars' Ron Selleaze and his ability to light it up. But BYU's Danny Bower and Brian Hamilton also are capable of knocking down shots in a hurry. Tulsa will have to be aware of the 3-point arc and play good perimeter defense. It's a huge game for Tulsa, which is flirting with an NIT bid at 18-11. The Golden Hurricane can use the win to help solidify its chances. Michael Ruffin is one of the best inside players in the WAC and Eric Coley was named to the WAC's All-Defensive Team Sunday.

SOUTHERN METHODIST VS. COLORADO STATE: A rematch of last year's first round. Will history repeat itself? The Rams came into the game 20-7 and looking to play in the NCAAs. They left the Thomas & Mack 20-8 and on the outside looking in. CSU appears to be a tired basketball team as evidenced by its play Saturday in a loss to UNLV. Coach Stew Morrill gave his team (20-7) Sunday off in the hopes it can regain its legs. A great backcourt matchup is brewing between Colorado State's senior backcourt of Milt Palacio and Jameel Mahmud and SMU youngsters Stephen Woods and Jeryl Sasser.

SAN DIEGO STATE VS. WYOMING: There's no contrast in styles here. You've got two tough, hard-nosed physical teams that don't back down. Wyoming has the edge in depth but San Diego State has shown the ability to overcome the odds. The 12-14 Aztecs also get leading scorer Jason Ritchey back for the Cowboys after Ritchey sat out the last couple of games with a sprained ankle. To beat Wyoming, you have to shut down Jeron Roberts and Gregg Sawyer. And that won't be easy. At 19-7, Wyoming knows it has to win to keep its faint NCAA bubble hopes alive.