The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team will finally catch a break in the schedule this week.

The Rainbow Warriors are hoping it will help them catch the rest of the Western Athletic Conference.

The 'Bows will play just one game this week when they host Nevada Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center.

"I'm more concerned with these guys catching up with school work a little bit more," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "And basketballwise, hope they don't get out of rhythm."

The 'Bows had their best week of the season last week, when they routed Fresno State (69-43) and Idaho (71-49).

"It might be good to keep our rhythm going with games right now," leading scorer Roderick Flemings said. "But at the same time, we don't get breaks like this, so it's better that we get rested. It gives us more time to get ready for Nevada, too."

Hawai'i is 12-11 overall and in seventh place in the WAC at 4-7. Just two weeks ago, the 'Bows were in last place (ninth).

With five conference games remaining in the regular season, Hawai'i has a shot at placing as high as second ... or as low as ninth. The final standings will determine the seedings for the WAC Tournament.

"We're playing with a lot of confidence right now," junior forward Bill Amis said. "We know anything can still happen, and we see a lot more games that we can win on the rest of our schedule."

Saturday's game against Nevada could be crucial. The Wolf Pack is 13-10 overall and tied for second in the WAC at 6-4.

Perhaps to Hawai'i's advantage, the Wolf Pack will play a road game against San Jose State Thursday before heading to Honolulu.

"Our main concern is making sure we stay sharp with our offense and what we're doing defensively," Nash said. "We'll start to think about Nevada (tomorrow) and Friday."

FLEMINGS PLAYING TOUGH

Roderick Flemings had two solid all-around games last week, recording a total of 30 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists.

He did it while wearing new equipment more suited for a football player — a mouth guard and knee brace.

"I got hit in the mouth so that's why I wore (the mouth guard), and the brace is just to keep my knee warm," Flemings said. "For some reason, it made me feel like I could play a little harder. I'm going to wear it again."

Flemings is ranked second among WAC players in scoring with 17.3 points per game.

AMIS STILL HEALING

Starting forward Bill Amis was limited in practice yesterday due to a sprained right ankle.

He sat out last Saturday's victory over Idaho, but is expected to be ready by Saturday.

"If we were playing a game (tomorrow), I would probably practice," he said. "I just wanted to give it more time to heal."

Amis is averaging 10.7 points and a team-high 5.9 rebounds per game.