The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team is hoping to find its way in San Jose today.

The Rainbow Warriors will play San Jose State in a crucial Western Athletic Conference game today at San Jose, Calif.

The winner of today's game will be in sixth place in the WAC. The loser could drop as low as eighth in the nine-team conference.

"We're trying to find our identity and get our momentum back before we get to the WAC Tournament," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "We know the importance of this game. We know we're battling for position in the WAC Tournament."

Hawai'i is 13-14 overall and tied for seventh place in the WAC at 5-9. The 'Bows lost at first-place Utah State, 82-62, on Thursday.

San Jose State is 12-14 overall and in sixth place at 5-8. The Spartans defeated Idaho, 72-64, on Thursday to end a three-game conference losing streak.

Today's game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. (Hawai'i time) at Walt McPherson Court. It will be broadcast live via radio on ESPN 1420 AM.

"Our focus is on ourselves, first of all," Nash said. "We're not even looking back at Utah State. We're looking at how we can improve and get past a good San Jose team."

The Spartans defeated Hawai'i, 73-61, last month in Honolulu. A sweep of the season series would give San Jose State the tiebreaker advantage over Hawai'i, should the teams finished tied in the final standings.

San Jose State leading scorer Adrian Oliver did not play in the game at Hawai'i, but is expected to start today.

"He's a guy who's really aggressive offensively," Nash said. "When he gets it going, he can carry that team."

Due to injuries and suspensions, the Spartans have used various lineups throughout the season.

San Jose State senior forward Tim Pierce was suspended for the Spartans' last game, but he is expected to play today. Pierce is second on the team in scoring with 13.1 points per game.

"We're preparing for everybody to be there," Nash said. "But it's difficult because they've shown different looks and different styles with all their lineup changes."

Today will also be senior night for three Spartans. However, the 'Bows could actually have more fans.

San Jose State is averaging 1,844 fans per home game this season.

Hawai'i players Kareem Nitoto, Hiram Thompson, Leroy Lutu and Brandon Adams are all expecting to have large groups of family and friends at today's game.

"We'll have our share, which should be nice to see," Nash said. "And there's always a lot of Hawai'i transplants in the area who show up as well."

There are three other WAC games today, and the 'Bows will need to keep an eye on at least two: