Unlike a week prior, there was no drama for the University of Hawaii basketball team Tuesday.

You might say that’s a good thing, except the placidity included the Rainbow Warriors game, or what passed as a game.

Mississippi Valley State was as bad as its record indicated. I’m pretty sure the Delta Devils produced more air balls than baskets in the first half.

That kind of mismatch produces an unsatisfying win for most people — except sadists, bench players and photographers.

“It’s an opportunity to get some good dunk pictures,” said our shooter, Krystle Marcellus.

Tuesday’s 77-48 romp over Jerry Rice’s alma mater would’ve killed UH’s strength of schedule if it had any to begin with. Playing No. 3-ranked Oklahoma (and almost winning) last week was already more than negated by having Division II teams Hawaii-Hilo and Hawaii Pacific on the schedule … not to mention losers like Montana State (5-8), Nicholls State (4-9) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2-12).

OK, these glorified scrimmages do allow starters who have logged heavy minutes to get some rest. But they taint Hawaii’s 10-2 record, making UH’s hopes for the NCAA Tournament all or nothing — win the conference tourney, or settle for the consolation prize of playing in the NIT (if they’re lucky).

Speaking of the NCAA — the source of much of the drama last week when it finally announced sanctions after its 26-month investigation of UH — the way things stand now UH needs to get into March Madness this season, or wait until 2018; the punishment handed down includes a postseason ban for 2016-17 (which actually includes anything after the regular season, not just the NCAAs).

Last week athletic director David Matlin and chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman said the school was leaning toward not appealing the NCAA ruling. But the AD made it clear Tuesday no decision has been made. “We want to win the war,” said Matlin, who is collecting information to determine if this is a battle worth fighting in the big picture.

For 60 percent of UH’s starting five and a key sub it certainly is. Mike Thomas, Aaron Valdes, Stefan Jankovic and Stefan Jovanovic are all juniors; while Thomas says this team has learned to “just roll with the punches,” it’s obvious he and his classmates want something to play for as seniors — assuming they stay here.

Coach Eran Ganot has been busy keeping his team sharp despite the fluctuations in degree of difficulty. But he hasn’t forgotten about how the NCAA’s edict could affect the program.

“There are so many schools of thought and it’s a unique situation,” he said. “We have to look at all the angles. The bottom line is we want to make the best decisions for the student-athletes. And we want to fight for our guys.”

Next Monday those at UH charged with making the decision to appeal or not will meet, Matlin said. And Wednesday is the deadline.

So far, the NCAA has roughed up Hawaii the way the Rainbow Warriors devoured their latest cupcake. While getting it all in the past and moving forward is a good goal, it’s one that would be made more difficult by passively accepting the postseason ban.