IRVINE, Calif. (Interstat) — A pivotal Big West Conference men’s basketball showdown is set for Thursday when the first-place Hawaii Warriors visit the UC Irvine Anteaters at the Bren Events Center.

The Warriors (15-4, 6-1 Big West) enter with a one-game conference lead and the momentum of a five-game winning streak, including a dominant 89-68 victory over Cal State Northridge last Saturday. They also hold a narrow edge in the season series, having edged the Anteaters 67-66 in Honolulu on Jan. 10.

Hawaii’s efficiency is keyed by forward Isaac Johnson, who has scored in double figures in seven consecutive games. In the Jan. 10 win over UC Irvine, Johnson posted 15 points and two blocks in just 12 minutes. He is coming off an 18-point performance against CSUN.

UC Irvine (14-7, 5-2) sits just behind in the standings and aims to defend its home court after a gritty 61-59 road win at UC San Diego. The Anteaters have won four of their last five, with their only loss in that span by three points at UC Davis.

The Anteaters will rely on forward Kyle Evans, a consistent defensive presence who leads the team in blocks. Evans had 13 points and four blocks in the earlier loss at Hawaii and is averaging a near double-double over his last five contests.

Hawaii’s high-powered offense, which has averaged 87.6 points during its win streak, will be tested by a stout UC Irvine defense that allows a conference-best 64.2 points per game in league play. The Warriors’ recent road form includes a 20-point win at Cal Poly but also a 15-point loss at UC Santa Barbara.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST. The game is a critical juncture in the Big West race, with Hawaii looking to solidify its top position and UC Irvine seeking to avenge its earlier loss and draw even in the loss column.