The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team is set to host two important home games at Bankoh Arena as the Big West Conference standings remain close. The Rainbow Warriors, currently with an 18-6 overall record and 10-4 in conference play, will face Cal Poly on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and UC Santa Barbara on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. The latter game will be nationally televised and marks AC Carter Night.
Hawai’i is tied for first place in the Big West with UC Irvine, holding a slim lead over UC Santa Barbara. Saturday’s matchup will feature a halftime ceremony to retire the jersey of Anthony “AC” Carter, making it only the second such honor in program history.
Head coach Eran Ganot has guided the team to a strong home performance this season, with a 14-1 record at Bankoh Arena and a current streak of ten consecutive home victories. The team has not lost back-to-back games this year.
Cal Poly enters Thursday’s game following notable wins against top Big West teams UC Irvine and UCSB. In their previous meeting this season, Hawai’i defeated Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, marking their tenth win in the last eleven encounters between the two teams.
Special promotions are planned for both games. On Thursday, UH will recognize the Lunar New Year with lion dancing throughout the arena. Basketball legend AC Carter will attend for the first time in over twenty years ahead of his jersey retirement celebration and will hold an autograph session after the game.
Saturday’s AC Carter Night includes several fan activities: “For only the second time in program history, a jersey will be retired and hung from the rafters. Fan favorite AC Carter will be in attendance as we all come together to honor his legacy.” During halftime, Carter will be joined by friends, coaches, former teammates, and other figures from UH basketball history for the unveiling of his #23 banner. Fans attending can receive commemorative shirts distributed by Coca-Cola and are encouraged to wear white.
Anthony “AC” Carter played two seasons at Hawai’i (1996-98), earning All-American honors and helping generate record attendance during his tenure. He led UH to significant victories over nationally ranked Indiana and Kansas during his career before moving on to a 13-year NBA playing career—primarily with the Miami Heat—and later working as an NBA coach.
Ticket packages are available online for both games, including bundled offers with concession credits.
