The NCAA is expected to turn down Hawaii’s bid to host a sub-regional bracket of the NCAA volleyball tournament. The amount of the bid is “six figures,” according to someone with knowledge of the situation — more than enough to cover expenses for three visiting teams.

While turning down the bid would be consistent with NCAA policy of limiting air travel as much as possible, it’s hard for UH fans to not think there is an anti-Hawaii component at work, especially since it wouldn’t be the first time a deserving Hawaii team doesn’t get to host.

I really do believe the No. 3-ranked Wahine deserve to host, and their fans deserve to see them again. I know I want to.

But you know what folks? It’s just geography. We live in the most isolated population center in the world. Sometimes that’s good, sometimes it’s not.

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Hawaii coach Bob Nash said guard Dwain Williams is serving a two-game suspension for breaking a team rule.

Nash made the announcement Friday night after Hawaii lost to New Mexico 83-71 at the Stan Sheriff Center. Williams averaged 13.3 points per game despite being shut out in UH’s loss to BYU last week. Nash said Williams — who missed practices last week and was not at the game — will return to practice, but will not make the team’s road trip to play UC-Irvine on Wednesday.

In a more positive note, Nash said starting forward Bill Amis could be back to practice in two weeks, at least for light duty. His recovery from a plantar fascia tear is on schedule. Nash said there’s no clear timetable on Amis’ return to full speed.

The Rainbows definitely missed Amis on the boards Friday, as they allowed more than 22 offensive rebounds.

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-By Dave Reardon