DAVIS, Calif. (Interstat) — A key early-season Big West Conference clash is set for Saturday when the UC Irvine Anteaters visit the UC Davis Aggies at The Pavilion at ARC.

The Anteaters (12-6, 3-1 Big West) enter looking to rebound from a narrow road defeat, having fallen 67-66 at Hawaii on Jan. 10. Despite the loss, guard Derin Saran continued his strong play, scoring 22 points. Saran has been a consistent catalyst, averaging 11.8 points and 4.7 assists over his last six games, including a 16-point, 6-assist effort in a win at Cal State Fullerton on Jan. 3.

UC Davis (10-7, 3-2) arrives with momentum after a 74-69 home victory over Cal State Fullerton on Thursday. Forward Niko Rocak led the way with 16 points and has provided versatile production, averaging 10.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over his last five contests. The Aggies’ conference losses came by a combined seven points to Cal State Bakersfield and Cal Poly.

The matchup features contrasting strengths. UC Irvine boasts the league’s top scoring defense, allowing just 65.2 points per game, anchored by forward Kyle Evans, who blocked four shots in the loss to Hawaii. UC Davis counters with one of the conference’s most efficient offenses, averaging 78.4 points.

UC Irvine holds a 12-6 advantage in the all-time series, but the teams split last season’s meetings, each winning on their home floor. The Aggies’ last home win in the series was a 78-71 victory on Feb. 5, 2023.

Saturday’s result will help shape the upper tier of the Big West standings as the conference schedule nears its midpoint. Following this game, UC Irvine travels to face UC Riverside on Jan. 22, while UC Davis hosts UC San Diego the same night.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST.