RENO, Nev. — On what is being called "Silver Saturday," the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team will try to find a golden touch today.

The Rainbow Warriors will play Nevada in a pivotal Western Athletic Conference game today at 1 p.m. (Hawai'i time) at Lawlor Events Center. It will be televised nationally on ESPN2.

The Lawlor Events Center has been a house of horrors for Hawai'i, and Nevada is preparing to make the 'Bows uncomfortable again today.

Every fan attending today's game will receive a free silver T-shirt with the team's motto "Stay True." The arena has a capacity of 11,536, and Nevada officials have 12,000 shirts ready.

"A lot of teams have gimmicks in their arenas," Hawai'i senior forward Bobby Nash said. "We've been here before. They always have a big crowd, they always play that annoying wolf (howl). We just have to focus on our task."

It is a daunting one.

For starters, Hawai'i has never defeated Nevada in Reno. The 'Bows are 0-10 all-time on the Wolf Pack's court, including a controversial 69-68 loss in the Lawlor Center last season.

An apparent go-ahead basket by Ahmet Gueye was later discounted after a lengthy discussion by the referees.

Yesterday, the 'Bows practiced in the Lawlor Center for the first time since last season's heartbreaking loss.

"I wouldn't say it was like returning to a scene of a crime," Bobby Nash said. "Those things happen in games, sometimes. This is a new game. We can't let that affect us for this game."

Hawai'i, which is on a three-game winning streak, is 10-11 overall and 6-3 in the WAC. Nevada, which has won four of its last five, is 14-8 and 6-3.

The teams are tied for fourth place.

"We're about to play the hottest team in the WAC," Nevada head coach Mark Fox said. "Hawai'i is playing well, so we have to play super to try and win."

The Wolf Pack looked super in an 84-46 victory over San Jose State on Thursday.

"They showed what they can do when they turn it up," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said of Nevada. "I picked them No. 1 (in the WAC) at the start of the year, so I've felt all along that they were a quality team."

The Wolf Pack also looked good in a 77-59 victory over Hawai'i last month in Honolulu. All-WAC guard Marcelus Kemp scored 29 points to lead Nevada in that game.

"We just have to step up our defense," Bob Nash said. "It's not a one-man team. If we concentrate too much on one guy, they have a bunch of others who can hurt you."

Nash is particularly concerned about Nevada's size. Led by 7-foot JaVale McGee and 6-9 Demarshay Johnson, the Wolf Pack rank second in the WAC in rebounding and first in blocked shots.

Nevada can also bring 7-1 David Ellis and 6-8 Matt LaGrone off the bench.

Hawai'i, on the other hand, will have just nine players available for today's game. None of those nine is an experienced post player.

Starting center P.J. Owsley did not make the trip due to an injured right knee, so 6-9 sophomore Bill Amis will start in his place. Bobby Nash, who is 6-7 but more of a perimeter player, will also have to defend one of the bigger Wolf Pack players.

"Nevada is huge, and I'm sure they're going to try and take advantage of it," Bob Nash said. "With our numbers, with one less big body, we have to be careful with how we play."

Nash said the 'Bows will have to slow the pace, and work patiently for open shots.

"We can't get in a run and shoot, up and down game with them," he said. "We have to work our offense, play smart, take good shots and make more than we miss."

There is also the altitude to deal with — Reno is around 4,500 feet above sea level. In an effort to acclimate to the altitude and the afternoon start time for today's game, the 'Bows held a morning practice yesterday.

"This is the toughest place I've played in as far as the altitude," Bobby Nash said. "You run up and down the court three or four times, and your lungs just start to burn. You're in a daze for a little bit, but once you fight through it, your body adjusts."

Gambling is legal in Reno, and oddsmakers are apparently aware of the obstacles facing the 'Bows. Nevada is listed as a 10-point favorite in Reno casinos.

In any case, Bob Nash said the national television exposure is good for the program, but he does not want the current 'Bows to get too excited about it.

"Day or night, ESPN or not, they still turn on the lights the same way inside the arena," he said. "It'll be good for our recruiting and good for our family and friends across the country to watch us, but we have to treat it like any other game."

As Bobby Nash put it: "Hey, we're on TV every game at home anyway. We have to look at it as the same as K5."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.