The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team is back in familiar territory, but an unfamiliar opponent awaits today.

After losing their first road game of the season Monday, the Rainbow Warriors will host Eastern Washington today at 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The game will be televised through Oceanic Cable pay-per-view (Ch. 255).

Prior to its 68-58 loss at Illinois, Hawai'i won its three previous games in the Sheriff Center.

"It's always better to be at home," sophomore point guard Kareem Nitoto said. "We're more comfortable here, the weather's not as cold, we get to sleep in our own beds. But we know this is going to be a tough game coming up no matter where it is."

The 'Bows are 3-3; the Eagles are 6-2. The last time the programs met was in 1970.

Hawai'i assistant coach Eran Ganot, who was in charge of scouting Eastern Washington, described the Eagles as "a well-coached, disciplined team."

"These guys really hustle," Ganot said. "We have to match or better their intensity."

The Eagles will have a different look today because they will add two key players to their rotation.

Senior guard Adris DeLeon and junior forward Chris Busch will suit up today for the first time this season. Both were projected starters during the preseason, but were ruled ineligible for the first eight games.

DeLeon led the Eagles in scoring last season with 12.5 points per game, and scored 42 in one game against Northern Colorado. Busch averaged 20.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season at Merrit junior college.

"Our chemistry has been pretty good up to this point," Eastern Washington head coach Kirk Earlywine said. "Now the dynamic of our team changes. Minutes are going to change. Substitution patterns are going to change. Roles are going to change. How well our guys are able to do that is going to be a big key for us going forward."

While DeLeon was ineligible, the shortest player on the team came up big. Benny Valentine, a 5-7 junior, is averaging 19.0 points per game.

"He's undersized, but he has a no-quit attitude," Ganot said. "He'll do what ever it takes to score."

Nitoto, who will likely have to defend Valentine, said: "They set a lot of on-ball screens for their guards, so we're going to have to play solid team defense."

The 'Bows and Eagles have played a common opponent this season. Hawai'i lost at Illinois, 68-58, on Monday; Eastern Washington lost at Illinois, 66-50, on Nov. 14.

Earlywine said he watched the Hawai'i-Illinois game, and was impressed with the 'Bows' rebounding.

"Any time a team out-rebounds another team, 43-14, that kind of gets your attention as a coach," he said. "From a physical standpoint, I thought Hawai'i out-competed Illinois."

The 'Bows committed a season-high 22 turnovers at Illinois, and thus have placed an emphasis on a more controlled offense in practices this week.

"We need to take care of the ball," Nitoto said. "But I think everything is going to revolve around our defense. We have to put pressure on them, get some tips, get some turnovers — create offense with our defense."

The 'Bows are led by 6-7 junior Roderick Flemings. He is averaging 16.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He has played multiple positions this season, and will likely have to do that again today.

Bill Amis, a 6-9 junior forward, is contributing 11.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Petras Balocka, a 6-8 junior center, is adding 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Hawai'i's inside duo will be challenged by Eastern Washington's tandem of Mark Dunn and Brandon Moore. Dunn is 6-8 and 270 pounds; Moore is 6-9 and 250 pounds. They are combining for 16.9 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.

"Their big guys are big, and they set a lot of screens," Ganot said. "So our guys are going to have to play strong and play smart."

Hawai'i is also expected to add a player to the rotation today. Sophomore point guard Hiram Thompson could get into the game as a reserve. He has missed the last five games due to a hamstring injury.

Today is the start of a stretch of eight consecutive home games for the 'Bows. Hawai'i is scheduled to host Chicago State on Monday.