During the University of Hawai‘i men's basketball team's tenure in the Big West, which ends this summer, UC Irvine has been one of its main rivals and obstacles in its yearly pursuit of a conference title.
Hawai‘i head coach Eran Ganot and UCI's Russell Turner have engaged in coaching battles over the years that continue to live on in program lore. In Ganot's 2015-2016 debut season as UH head coach, the Rainbow Warriors swept the season series against the Anteaters en route to their only Big West Conference title and NCAA Tournament victory.
In 2021, when the Rainbow Warriors were not permitted to host fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 'Bows pulled out a memorable 62-61 overtime victory over the Anteaters in an empty Stan Sheriff Center after UCI missed a layup at the buzzer. In 2023, Hawai‘i topped UC Irvine on senior night, a sellout that was also televised nationally on ESPN2.
But for the most part, UC Irvine has had Hawai‘i's number in conference play. The Anteaters lead the all-time series 24-9, including four double-digit victories in a row. When the Rainbow Warriors (11-3, 3-1 Big West) host the Anteaters (11-5, 4-0) on Saturday night, the stakes are once again high, with the winner grabbing the early lead in the Big West standings.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Stan Sheriff Center. The 'Bows are hosting the Anteaters for the final time as Big West members, which Ganot believes will lend itself to a sizable fan turnout.
"This team certainly deserves a great crowd," Ganot said. "School starts next Monday, so hopefully students who are rolling in this week can come and support this group. I know we appreciate it, I know every student for every sport appreciates it. It means a lot. It is a roar when you come in here, and obviously you want to share that with the new guys as we get into the spring semester. First (home) game coming into the spring semester, and right off the bat. You only have eight more, and they go quick. So, really excited about that, excited for our guys."
The Rainbow Warriors only have one game this week, its most recent contest an 83-73 loss at UC San Diego on Jan. 3. Meanwhile, UC Irvine will host Long Beach State on Thursday evening before making the quick turnaround to Honolulu.
"It's heavily in our favor," senior forward Harry Rouhliadeff said of the week's schedule. "It's key for us, more spent on us, and then we move forward towards Irvine. So yeah, it's huge.
"We're always going to expect physicality with Irvine. We know these schools don't really like each other all that well, so now we're going to come out there for our best."
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Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
