Preview of Hawaii vs. UC Irvine in Big West Showdown

HENDERSON, Nev. (Interstat) — A neutral-site clash with potential NCAA Tournament implications highlights the Big West schedule Saturday as the Hawaii Warriors face the UC Irvine Anteaters at the Dollar Loan Center.

Both teams enter with identical 23-win records, but Hawaii (23-8) holds a slight edge in the conference standings. The Warriors, ranked for the first time this season, are looking to solidify their postseason resume, while UC Irvine (23-10) aims for a signature win to bolster its own case.

The matchup is a rubber game after the teams split their regular-season series, each winning on their home floor. UC Irvine won the most recent meeting 87-76 in overtime on Jan. 29, avenging a 67-66 loss in Honolulu on Jan. 10.

Hawaii arrives riding momentum from a 78-63 victory over Cal State Fullerton on Friday. Guard Hunter Erickson, a key player to watch, contributed 10 points, five assists and two blocks in that win. Over his last seven games, Erickson has averaged 10.9 points and 3.4 assists, including a 23-point performance against Long Beach State on March 7.

UC Irvine is also coming off a strong offensive performance, defeating Cal State Northridge 93-78 on Friday. Guard Derin Saran led the way with 23 points and five assists. Saran has been a consistent scorer for the Anteaters, averaging 10.1 points over his last seven contests.

The game features a contrast in recent trajectories. Hawaii has won seven of its last nine games, while UC Irvine has won six of its last eight, with both losses coming by two points.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, UC Irvine opened as a 2.5-point favorite. The over/under is set at 137.5 points.

The outcome could hinge on backcourt play between Erickson and Saran, as well as the battle inside. Hawaii’s Isaac Johnson, who scored 19 points Friday, and UC Irvine’s Kyle Evans, who added 15 points and a block in their last game, will be pivotal in the paint.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. PDT Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.