HONOLULU (Interstat) — A surging Hawaii squad looks to protect its home court and solidify its position atop the Big West Conference standings when it hosts a struggling Cal State Northridge team on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The Warriors (14-4, 3-2 Big West) return to the Stan Sheriff Center after a road split, most recently unleashing a dominant 98-71 victory over Cal State Bakersfield on Thursday. Guard Dre Bullock was efficient in the win, scoring 17 points in 28 minutes. Bullock has been a key contributor, averaging 15.2 points over his last five games, including a 20-point performance in a win at Cal Poly on Jan. 15.

Hawaii’s defense, which held four nonconference opponents under 62 points, will be tested by Cal State Northridge’s Larry Hughes. The Matadors’ guard is coming off a 21-point effort in an 87-80 home loss to Long Beach State on Jan. 17 and has scored 17 or more points in five of his last six games, averaging 19.2 points in that stretch.

The Matadors (11-9, 2-3) have lost three of their last four, with all three defeats coming by single digits. Their most recent win was an 84-79 road victory at UC San Diego on Jan. 15, where Hughes added 13 points. Consistency has been an issue for Northridge, which has allowed an average of 85.3 points in its nine losses this season.

Hawaii holds a significant edge in the early conference standings and has been strong at home, boasting a 9-1 record in Honolulu this season. Their lone home loss was a nonconference setback to UTEP in December. The Warriors won both meetings last season.

The matchup will feature a contrast in recent momentum, with Hawaii aiming to continue a strong home-court advantage while Cal State Northridge seeks a pivotal road win to steady its conference campaign. Following this game, Hawaii begins a two-game road trip at UC Irvine on Jan. 29. Cal State Northridge returns home to host UC Davis on Jan. 29.