BOISE, Idaho — The temperature dipped to 7 degrees last night, but the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team was prepared.

"We got our groceries the first day we were here; the room is stocked," senior forward Bobby Nash said. "The best medicine for the cold weather is to stay in the room."

The Rainbow Warriors hope to be similarly prepared for Boise State in a Western Athletic Conference game today at the Taco Bell Arena.

The game is scheduled to start at 4:05 p.m. (Hawai'i time), and will be broadcast via radio on ESPN 1420 AM.

"We've watched film, we had two good days of practice, the guys are rested ... we've done what we needed to do to get ready," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "Hopefully that translates to the game (today)."

Hawai'i is 7-10 overall and 3-2 in the WAC. The Broncos joined the WAC in the 2001-02 season, and this is their best start at 13-5 overall and 4-2 in the conference.

Boise State's quick start can be traced to a quick offense. The Broncos lead the nation in field-goal percentage at .522, and lead the WAC in scoring with 82.3 points per game.

"We're taking good shots," Boise State head coach Greg Graham said. "And we go to our two inside guys a lot, so that usually leads to high percentage shots close to the basket."

Those two inside guys are 6-foot-9 center Matt Nelson and 6-6 forward Reggie Larry, who are combining for 34.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game.

"It's just the way the offense is structured," Nelson said. "We try to work for good looks at the basket, and only take high percentage shots. It's kind of run-and-gun, but there's structure to it."

The 'Bows will counter with a starting lineup that features four shooters — Nash, Matt Gibson, Jared Dillinger and Riley Luettgerodt.

"We have to work for our shots," Bob Nash said. "We don't want to get in a running match with them at their place. They are extremely dangerous when they spread the floor and run."

The 'Bows practiced in a small gym at a local YMCA the past two afternoons. They spent one hour shooting in the Taco Bell Arena last night.

"The YMCA was perfect for us," Bobby Nash said. "We got our work done and we still got to put up some shots in the (Taco Bell Arena)."

The 'Bows are aware that they need to warm up quickly and adjust to the 2,700-foot altitude in Boise.

"We don't get these conditions back home," Bobby Nash said. "And Boise will definitely try to take advantage of it early and often. We have to play like warriors from the start."

Boise State's only two WAC losses this season were by three points to New Mexico State and four points at Utah State. Those are the only two teams ahead of the Broncos in the current WAC standings.

"We're real confident right now," Nelson said. "But at the same time, every game is a new game in the WAC. Hawai'i always gives us a good game, and I don't expect anything less."

Graham described the 'Bows as "more explosive" this season under Nash, although part of it is because of personnel.

"When Riley Wallace was coaching all those years, it seemed he had a big guy or two every year they could pound you with. This year, they have so many shooters, and it's tough to guard them all."

In keeping with a tradition started by Wallace, the 'Bows ate dinner at a Golden Corral restaurant on Tuesday. Wallace considered the all-you-can-eat American buffet a good luck place on the road.

Nash said he took the team there more out of convenience.

"I'm not superstitious," he said. "It's fast, and the guys have diverse appetites, so they can get what ever they want for a good price ($9.89)."

Bobby Nash said: "Golden Corrals ... they're everywhere. I'm OK with it, though. You can get something new every time."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.