In so many ways, a good start today will be important for the Oregon women's basketball team.

Six freshmen can set an early tone for their careers in the Ducks' regular-season opener against San Jose State at 1:30 p.m. in McArthur Court.

A strong nonleague showing can get the season off on the right foot before the perils of Pac-10 play begin.

And a solid first few minutes this afternoon would show that the Ducks have learned a thing or two since a sluggish start forced them to go to overtime for a win in their second exhibition game.

The coaching staff gave the players a handout Friday, addressing pregame issues like rest and nutrition, all the way down to transportation to the game.

When teaching a young team how to be properly focused, even the smallest detail can't be overlooked.

"And then competitively, what are you looking to focus on?" UO coach Bev Smith said.

"Are you focused on the process of doing the little things that are going to make you a successful basketball player, and our team successful."

A few of the Ducks, who are trying to follow up on last year's 17-14 finish, couldn't answer that question in the affirmative last Sunday. It took five extra minutes to defeat a club team called Love & Basketball, albeit a veteran opponent with enough size to challenge Oregon's stable of young forwards.

The opponent today, San Jose State, won't have quite as much size.

The Spartans return all five starters from last season, but a new coaching staff was called upon in the wake of a 5-27 finish.

"What we learned from that game," UO freshman post Nicole Canepa said of Sunday's exhibition, "is we have to come out with a lot of intensity, or else it's going to be a fight all the way.

"... If we box out, be strong inside, get rebounds, I think we'll be OK."

The Ducks are expecting the Spartans to push the pace, good preparation for up-tempo conference opponents like Arizona State.

To deal with the defensive pressure, Oregon may at times use two point guards, junior starter Tamika Nurse and freshman Nia Jackson, on the court at once.

Nurse is one of just three experienced players Oregon will have available today, along with starting wings Taylor Lilley and Kaela Chapdelaine.

Sophomore Micaela Cocks will sit out as a one-game penalty for violating NCAA rules by participating in an unsanctioned competition in her native New Zealand over the summer.

The rest of the team, though, will have a chance to shake off what Smith said has been a bit of a lull in practice the past few days.

"I'm thinking they're looking forward to playing against someone, and being able to work together a little bit," Smith said.OREGON WOMEN vs. SAN JOSE STATE

Oregon (0-0) Starters

Tamika Nurse, 5-8, jr. (9.2 ppg, 3.3 apg)

Taylor Lilley, 5-6, so. (8.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg)

Kaela Chapdelaine, 5-10, sr. (6.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg)

Ellie Manou, 6-3, fr. (0.0 ppg, 0.0 rpg)

Nicole Canepa, 6-5, fr. (0.0 ppg, 0.0 rpg)

San Jose State (0-0) Starters

Alisha Hicks, 5-9, sr. (8.9 ppg, 3.0 apg)

Myosha Barnes, 5-5, jr. (8.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg)

Natalie White, 5-9, jr. (11.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg)

Brittany Powell, 6-0, so. (11.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg)

Jaime Hall, 6-1, jr. (2.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg)

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Radio/TV: KSCR 1320-AM/Comcast SportsNet.

Tickets: Reserved seats $15 and $12. General admission $8, or $5 for children and seniors.