The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team did not leave its heart with San Francisco.

Less than 24 hours after a heartbreaking 75-70 loss to the Dons, the Rainbow Warriors were back in the practice gym yesterday.

"We're not giving up. That's one game we lost, there are many more to play," junior center Petras Balocka said. "It's a new day and we have a great opportunity to get back."

The 'Bows will host Cal State Fullerton today — the final day of the Verizon Wireless Tip-Off Classic.

San Francisco will face Texas State at 2:30 p.m., followed by Hawai'i and Fullerton around 5:05. The matchups were predetermined, but today's first game amounts to the championship, and the second game is for third place.

"We were disappointed with (Friday) night, but these guys have a lot of pride, and they showed it by coming out here with a spark in practice," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "It was the first (NCAA) Division I experience for a lot of our guys. I think they have a better idea of what to expect, and we can only get better."

A small and quick San Francisco team caused problems for Hawai'i, and the 'Bows will see a similar team in Fullerton.

The Titans like to utilize a three-guard lineup, including sharpshooter Josh Akognon. The 6-foot senior averaged 20.5 points per game last season, and ranked No. 11 in the country with 116 3-pointers.

In Fullerton's 76-66 loss to Texas State on Friday, Akognon scored just 11 points. He fouled out with nearly 16 minutes remaining in the game.

"It was actually kind of scary for me to watch because he's the kind of player who doesn't have two bad games in a row," said Hawai'i assistant coach Larry Farmer, who scouted the Titans. "He's a big-time shooter. We may face someone who is as good as him this year, but we won't face anybody better."

Akognon was the leading scorer on last season's Titans team that finished 24-9 and won the Big West Conference. But he is one of just two returning players from last season.

"A game like this will tell us where we are in terms of guarding these types of teams," Nash said. "We're going to see teams like this in the (Western Athletic Conference). Teams with quick, athletic guards."

In its season-opening loss, Hawai'i got 100 percent of its scoring from the five starters: Balocka (18), Kareem Nitoto (14), Lasha Parghalava (14), Roderick Flemings (13) and Bill Amis (11).

The five reserves who saw action combined for zero points and two rebounds.

"We're going to need those guys," Nash said. "Adhar (Mayen) and Paul (Campbell) didn't have their best games, but we know what they're capable of. We're confident they'll bounce back."

Nitoto, the sophomore point guard, also is looking to improve. He had zero assists and three turnovers against San Francisco — which featured some of his childhood friends.

"Me knowing those guys had nothing to do with how I played," Nitoto said. "I just should have played a whole lot better. I can't say I'm young, I'm a sophomore. I have to step up and be a leader."

Nitoto played 36 minutes, which was longer than Nash expected. Hiram Thompson, the back-up point guard, was limited to two minutes with a hamstring injury. Thompson may not play tonight.

Nash said Parghalava can slide over to point guard, and freshman Leroy Lutu Jr. could also see action.

"We ask a lot out of Kareem, in terms of leading the offense and ball-hawking on defense," Nash said. "So we'll try to rotate it a little more so he doesn't wear down."