The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team will conclude its 11-game homestand and the nonconference segment of its season with a matchup against UTEP on Saturday, December 13. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu.
Hawai’i enters the contest with a 9-2 record, currently on a five-game winning streak and holding a 9-1 mark in their last ten home games. UTEP comes into the game with a 3-5 record. The teams share a long history, having competed annually as members of the Western Athletic Conference from 1980 to 2005, except for two seasons. This weekend’s meeting marks only their second nonconference matchup before both programs join the Mountain West Conference next season.
Head coach Eran Ganot has led Hawai’i to an overall record of 183-122 in his twelfth season, including an 180-120 mark during his eleven years with the Rainbow Warriors.
UTEP leads the all-time series between the teams, holding a 35-18 advantage overall and leading in Honolulu by a margin of 15-13. However, Hawai’i won their most recent encounter during the opening round of the Diamond Head Classic in 2019.
“UH and UTEP faced off every year between 1980 to 2005 (with the exception of 1997 & ’98) as members of the Western Athletic Conference,” according to information provided by UH Athletics. “Next year they will become conference rivals again as members of the Mountain West.”
Hawai’i’s current start is its best through eleven games since going 16-2 at this stage during the 2015-16 season. Their ongoing five-game win streak is also their longest since early last season.
Statistically, Hawai’i ranks among the top teams nationally in several categories, including being ranked thirteenth in scoring defense (allowing an average of just over sixty-three points per game) and tenth in three-point field goal percentage defense (opponents shooting just over twenty-six percent). UTEP is noted for forcing turnovers at one of the highest rates nationally while Hawai’i averages nearly fourteen turnovers committed per game.
After facing UTEP, Hawai’i will have a break before resuming Big West play on January first at UC Riverside and January third at UC San Diego. Their next home appearance is scheduled for January tenth against UC Irvine.
Fans attending Saturday’s game can expect several promotions and events, including giveaways sponsored by Raising Cane’s for early arrivals and opportunities such as autograph sessions with select football team members and participation in charity drives like Toys for Tots.
