The Rainbow Warriors must show they can dial up from long distance

The basketball-ized version of the Napoleonic code reigns supreme here at Parsing The WAC and yes, we absolutely understand if such a statement leaves you wondering if PTW has completely lost it.

In more basic terms, our philosophy is that there is a de facto presumption of guilt regarding a basketball team's presumed weaknesses(es), unless or until proven otherwise.

But it's certainly not just us.

Coaches have actually employed this axiom since the Naismith era. It simply means -- at least in this specific example -- that 'we don't think you can shoot from outside and we will defend you accordingly. The outcome of our defensive strategy will determine its continuance.'

So Hawaii is going to face packed-in defenses until a couple of its players demonstrate three-point shooting proficiency.

'Bows work on long-range game
An outside-shooting presence would break opponents' zones
Brian McInnis
Honolulu Star Bulletin
November 20, 2008

The Hawaii men's basketball team is trying to bust whatever notions its opponents have of the Rainbow Warriors' ability to crack a zone defense.

In their overtime win against Idaho State Tuesday morning, the Rainbows (1-2) faced 45 minutes of a match-up zone from the Bengals, who dared their hosts to shoot from outside. ISU coach Joe O'Brien said afterward his team wasn't used to playing that format, but felt it gave an advantage against Hawaii's personnel.

Hawaii emerged victorious, but didn't appear comfortable until late in the game; UH shot 33.3 percent with 21 turnovers.

Guard Lasha Parghalava didn't start for the first time in three games, but ended up playing 37 minutes and hit a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute of regulation.

He realizes it's up to him to hit open shots to shake teams out of the zone...

Go here for the remainder.