Two days before the big game against Illinois, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team got its wake-up call yesterday.

The Rainbow Warriors practiced at 6 a.m. yesterday in the Stan Sheriff Center.

"It was tough to get up that early," senior tri-captain Riley Luettgerodt said. "But now that it's over, I kind of liked it. We get the whole afternoon off."

Hawai'i will host perennial Big Ten Conference contender Illinois at 8:05 p.m. tomorrow in the Sheriff Center.

So why the early-morning practice in preparation for a late-night game?

Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said he gave his players a choice: either practice in the afternoon in sweaty Gym 2, or in the morning in the air-conditioned Sheriff Center.

"Gym 2 can get real hot, and if we're going for two or three hours, the guys tend to lose a lot of water," Nash said. "They all said they would rather wake up early, so it worked out. It ended up being a great practice. We got a lot done."

Senior center Stephen Verwers said: "Gym 2 just drains us. It's so hot in there. It takes a day or two just to recover from a hard practice."

Other UH teams practice regularly in the mornings, including the football and women's basketball teams. But it was the first time in recent memory for the men's basketball team.

"I've been here five years and that's the first time I had to get up that early for practice," senior tri-captain Bobby Nash said. "A lot of us aren't morning people, but it was definitely worth it to be here (in the Sheriff Center). We have a big game coming up, and practicing in here gives us a better feel for the game. These are the same rims, the same floor, we're going to see in the game."

Bobby Nash said he's talked to several athletes from other UH sports during his five years on campus and always wondered how they mustered the energy for early-morning workouts.

"I talked to Colt (Brennan) and some of the other football guys about it, and they like it," he said. "I can see why. It's nice and cool in the morning, and you get the rest of the day to yourself. Once practice starts, you don't even think about what time it is."

Several of the 'Bows said the free time in the afternoon would make up for time lost in the morning.

"I'm definitely going to catch up on the sleep I missed this morning," Bobby Nash said.

After practice, the Rainbow Warriors had a team breakfast, and then some of the players rushed off to classes.

In any case, Hawai'i has only today remaining to prepare for the Fighting Illini, who arrived in Honolulu yesterday afternoon.

Illinois, which finished 23-12 and in fourth place in the rugged Big Ten last season, is 1-0 after a season-opening 63-55 home win over Northeastern on Sunday.

"They're a real good team, they're big, and they play great defense," Bob Nash said.

Shaun Pruitt, a 6-foot-10 senior center, had 12 points and 17 rebounds in the season opener for Illinois. Brian Randle, a 6-8 senior forward, added 14 points and four rebounds.

"They're a highly-regarded team and they are big," Bobby Nash said. "But we just have to focus on ourselves and work on the things we need to do to pull out a win."

FRIDAY IS A WHITE-OUT

The game against Illinois has been designated a "White-Out," and all fans are encouraged to wear white shirts.

The 'Bows are 7-3 in White-Out games.

"I like it because it shows unity," Bob Nash said. "I just hope the fans come out and support the home team."

NOTES

Senior point guard Matt Gibson still has not been cleared to practice because of an injured left knee. The injury occurred last Wednesday.

Tomorrow's game is starting at 8:05 p.m. because the UH women's basketball team is scheduled to play at 5 p.m. in the Sheriff Center.

The 'Bows will not have much time to rest following tomorrow's game. They are scheduled to play Alcorn State on Sunday in the Sheriff Center. Alcorn State is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu tomorrow.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.