Kansas University’s men’s basketball road trip to the gambling mecca of Reno, Nev., last winter had to be classified as a bust.

Not just for the thousand or so KU fans who inevitably took too many cards in blackjack in casinos in the “Biggest Little City in the World,” but also for KU’s players. On the court against the University of Nevada, they folded quicker than poker players dealt a two and a seven.

Unranked Nevada, which led, 40-20, at halftime, drilled the then-No. 6-ranked Jayhawks, 75-61, on Dec. 21 at the Wolf Pack’s Lawlor Events Center.

“It was weird being in a fun place with such a downer (of a game),” KU junior forward Christian Moody said.

The contest came right before Christmas, making it doubly depressing.

“What we remember is getting waxed in Reno,” KU coach Bill Self said.

Self’s Jayhawks get another chance at Nevada at 8 tonight at Allen Fieldhouse when the No. 2-ranked Jayhawks (2-0) play host to the unranked Wolf Pack (3-0)

“They had us down 20 at the half, and they ended up winning by about 10 points,” Self said. “It was a pitiful performance by us, and at that time we didn’t know how good of a team they were.

“They obviously were real good.”

Nevada's Nick Fazekas, left, forces Georgia's Corey Gibbs into a turnover in the Wolf Pack's 58-47 victory. Nevada won its road opener Friday in Athens, Ga., and will carry a 3-0 record into tonight's game at Kansas. Fazekas is the Wolf Pack's leading scorer at 23.3 points per game.

Standout Nevada guard Kirk Snyder scored 12 of his game-high 29 points the first half as the Wolf Pack — who went on to win the Western Athletic Conference and advanced all the way to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 — pretty much put the game out of reach by intermission.

“I couldn’t believe that we were down by 20,” said Moody, who again will start at power forward next to Wayne Simien. “It showed we didn’t come out focused at all. They have a great team again this year. Coach has been telling us they could be even better than they were last year.”

Snyder turned pro after Nevada finished 25-9 in his junior season. He wasn’t the only loss. In June, coach Trent Johnson took over for Mike Montgomery at Stanford, and Nevada promoted fourth-year assistant Mark Fox.

Fox welcomed back forwards Nick Fazekas (6-11) and Kevinn Pinkney (6-10), who combined for 16 points with 13 rebounds against KU last year.

They’ve helped Nevada race to a 3-0 start this season, which included a 58-47 victory at Georgia on Friday night. Fazekas, who hit 23 of his first 29 shots in the first two games, averages 23.3 points and 6.7 rebounds and Pinkney 11.7 points and 4.7 boards.

“Fazekas is a (future) pro, and their frontline is better than it was last year,” Self said. “Their frontline is probably as good as any we’ll see.”

The Jayhawks won’t see Snyder tonight when they try to avenge last year’s loss.

KU-Nevada game notes KU eager for rematch with Wolf Pack Nevada coach knows KU Notebook

“I’m looking forward to the game. They worked us pretty good out there last year,” said KU senior Wayne Simien, who had 10 points and eight rebounds in a game in which KU cut a 25-point second half deficit to seven late before free throws saved the day for the Wolf Pack.

“Not revenge, but they definitely outplayed us while we were out there last year. I’m excited we get another shot at them this year.”

The Jayhawks will have plenty of motivation and a national TV audience for the ESPN2 contest.

“I don’t know if revenge is the right word,” Self said, “but I know the first half last year at their place they dominated us, and I think our guys certainly remember that and it’s fresh on their minds. I think they’ll hook-em up and play very hard. Being national television exposure and playing a team that beat you pretty good last year, I think we should be motivated to get after it or attempt to get after it.”

The Jayhawks have watched tapes of last year’s game in preparation for tonight.

“We watched game film on it. Basically we didn’t have one of our best days,” sophomore J.R. Giddens said. “We can’t go out with revenge. I just want to try to win, let them know how the Jayhawks play.”

“It may motivate some of us,” senior guard Aaron Miles said of memories of a year ago. “It shouldn’t be our motivation. My motivation is I want this team to get better as the season goes on.”

Fox realizes KU could be mighty inspired tonight.

“I am not worried about revenge. Kansas is focused to beat everybody, not just Nevada,” said Fox, whose team returns just starters. “Kansas has a chance to play for all the marbles this year. We just caught them at a perfect time. They were learning a new system. We’re back to square one. Kansas has great players at every position. I’m not sure that team has a weakness.”