The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team will begin its final season in the Big West Conference this week, hosting UC Davis on Thursday, December 4, and Cal State Fullerton on Saturday, December 6. Both games are scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
Hawai’i enters the matchup with a 6-2 record and was picked to finish third in the Big West preseason poll. The team has won six of its first seven home games this season. UC Davis, with a 5-2 record, comes into the contest after winning three of its last four games, including an upset victory on the road against Nevada.
Thursday’s game is part of the league’s “Bold Week” to open conference play. Fans can watch the game on Spectrum Sports or listen via ESPN Honolulu radio and app. Live streaming will be available on ESPN+, though it will be blacked out in Hawaii. Live statistics can be followed on StatBroadcast.com.
A special promotion called “Bows and Brews” offers fans two upper-level seats and $20 in concession credit for $30 if purchased online at least two hours before the event. Additionally, Blue Truck Foods will provide discounted poke as part of the “Taste of Hawai’i” series at the arena concourse.
Head coach Eran Ganot holds an overall record of 180-122 in his 12th season as a head coach and is 177-120 in his 11 seasons at Hawai’i.
Hawai’i leads the all-time series against UC Davis, 15-12, including a 9-2 advantage in Honolulu. Both teams are set to join the Mountain West Conference next year after competing in the Big West since 2012-13. Hawai’i previously won both regular-season and tournament titles in 2015-16 and had not recorded a losing season in conference play until last year.
The Rainbow Warriors are coming off a decisive win over North Dakota (92-55) on November 28, marking their third victory by more than 30 points this season and fifth double-digit win overall. The team is averaging 85.4 points per game with a +19.4 scoring margin at home.
UC Davis features junior guard Nils Cooper, who averages 17.7 points per game and led his team to a recent win over Nevada (77-71) on November 18.
Hawai’i currently co-leads the nation in free throws made per game (23) and ranks sixth nationally for free throw attempts per game (31.1). Senior center Isaac Johnson has made a school-record 38 consecutive free throws since November 9.
